Many women of all age groups will complain of some degree of urinary problems. There
are different symptoms ranging from bladder pain and cystitis type symptoms, to overactive
bladder symptoms and stress incontinence. Many of these have a significant detrimental
impact on a woman’s quality of life.
Bladder pain, cystitis and repeat urinary infections are common chronic complaints.
They can be caused by problems anywhere along the urinary tract (kidneys, bladder
and/or urethra). There are a range of lifestyle and medical treatments that can successfully
prevent recurrent attacks.
An overactive bladder typically gives rise to symptoms that include going to the
toilet too often (“frequency”), getting up at night to pass urine (“nocturia”), a
compelling or desperate desire to pass urine (“urgency”), and sometimes not being
able to make it in time to the toilet (“urge incontinence”). It is a common condition,
and many women will have a degree of these symptoms before seeking medical attention.
Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. Provoking factors typically
include coughing, laughing, running and sneezing. The amount of urine lost will vary
from woman to woman, ranging from a few drops, to soaking clothes and requiring pads.
There may be many causes for stress incontinence.
In order to distinguish between some of the different underlying diagnoses, and investigations
such as urine tests, frequency volume charts and urodynamics (a special test where
bladder function is measured) may be necessary. In addition a cystoscopy may be recommended.
It is important to realise that many of the problems can be improved, and often with
relatively simple treatments. Often your doctor will work in close liaison with a
physiotherapist to help with your symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, medical
treatments may be advised and in other cases surgery may be offered. Certain types
of surgery are performed laparoscopically.
