Urine Leakage
Involuntary leakage of urine can be a distressing problem, and may overwhelmingly affect the quality of life.
Women of all ages are twice as likely as men to experience incontinence, and one in three women over the age of 60 has problems with bladder control, which can result in depression and a reluctance to engage in physical or social activities. Read more on Female Incontinence
Despite being such a common problem, the huge stigma attached to urinary incontinence means that many sufferers put up with years of misery before they get help.
There are several types of incontinence, most of them treatable.
Most common, particularly in women, is Stress Incontinence, where urine leakage occurs during activities which increase abdominal pressure such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising or lifting something heavy. Read more on Stress Incontinence
Urge Incontinence is a sudden, intense need to pass water that is quickly followed by urine leakage, with not enough warning to get to the lavatory in time. This may be triggered by the sound of running water, an abrupt change of position or even sexual climax. Urge incontinence sufferers often need to ‘go’ frequently, day and night. Read more on Urge Incontinence
Mixed Incontinence
Symptoms of both the above causes are combined in mixed incontinence: you may experience urine leakage if you cough or sneeze, and also experience very sudden and powerful urges to pass urine.
Overflow incontinence
If you have overflow incontinence, you may want to go very often, but only pass a trickle of urine. It feels as though your bladder is never fully empty and you can’t empty it however hard you try.
Go to Incontinence for the full story
If you prefer not to see your GP, Somerset Urology offer an excellent, discreet and sympathetic option for diagnosis and up-to-the-minute treatment.