Urinary Incontinence and Voiding Dysfunctions in Women
Urinary Incontinence and Voiding Dysfunctions in Women
Urinary incontinence (urinary leakage) and voiding dysfunctions are among the health problems that most significantly impact women’s social lives, self-confidence, and general comfort. Although many women view this condition as a natural consequence of aging, it is actually a disease that can be successfully treated through medical and surgical methods. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç provides permanent and modern solutions to this sensitive issue with his expertise in the field of urogynecology.
What Are the Types of Urinary Incontinence?
The cause and treatment method for each case of urinary incontinence are different. The first step toward the right treatment is accurately diagnosing the type of leakage.
1. Stress Incontinence (Leakage under Pressure)
This is urinary leakage experienced during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting, or exercising. It typically occurs as a result of weakened pelvic floor muscles and support for the urinary tract (urethra).
2. Urge Incontinence (Leakage due to Urgency)
It is characterized by a sudden, intense need to urinate. The individual leaks urine before being able to reach the toilet. It is usually associated with the condition known as “overactive bladder.”
3. Mixed Incontinence
This is the condition where both stress and urge types of urinary incontinence are experienced simultaneously. Combined treatment approaches are applied in these cases.
Diagnosis and Evaluation Process
Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç establishes a personalized diagnostic plan after listening to the patient’s complaints.
1. Physical Examination and Stress Test
Observation of urinary leakage during coughing or straining is carried out, along with a check for pelvic organ prolapse (cystocele).
2. Urodynamic Studies
These are advanced tests that measure the urine storage and emptying functions of the bladder. They allow us to understand the underlying neurological or muscular causes of the voiding dysfunction.
3. Bladder Diary (Voiding Diary)
Information regarding bladder capacity is obtained by having the patient record the amount of fluid consumed and the frequency of urination throughout the day.
Treatment Options with Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç
The treatment protocol varies from non-surgical methods to surgical interventions, depending on the type of leakage and its impact on the patient’s quality of life.
1. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Successful results can be obtained in early-stage cases through exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (Kegel) and biofeedback methods.
2. TOT and TVT (Sling Surgeries)
Applied particularly in stress-type urinary incontinence, these methods provide support by placing specialized medical meshes (slings) under the urinary tract. These operations performed via the vaginal route take approximately 20-30 minutes, and their success rates are considerably high.
3. Medical Therapy and Bladder Botox
Control is established using medications that calm the bladder muscles in urge incontinence, or via “Botox” injections applied to the bladder wall in cases that do not respond to medical therapy.
Regaining Quality of Life
Urinary incontinence is not a “fate,” but a treatable health problem. With the minimally invasive solutions he offers to his patients, Prof. Dr. Selçuk Erkılınç aims to help women return to life with confidence and comfort, without being disconnected from social life.