Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Problems and Urinary Incontinence in Women

Definition:
Bladder problems are very common. Around 1 in 3 women suffer from incontinence (leakage of urine) at some stage in their life.

Symptoms:

• Leaking urine when laughing, coughing or sneezing
• Lack of bladder control (needing to rush to the toilet / know exactly where toilets are in any given moment, known as ‘toilet mapping’)
• The urge to pass urine too often
• The urge to pass urine frequently in the night
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Frequent urine infections
• Pain on passing urine
  
  Diagnosis:
  Bladder problems can be extremely embarrassing and have a major impact on a woman’s life. Women are therefore often understandably reluctant to discuss these problems with a doctor. We offer a sympathetic approach to this sensitive and upsetting problem. There is also sensitive advice available at the Bladder and Bowel Foundation.The management of bladder problems starts with a consultation and gentle examination. Sometimes we ask women to complete a ‘bladder diary’ in addition to urine testing. Sometimes it may be necessary to perform a urodynamics test (a test to assess bladder functioning) or cystoscopy (a camera to check the inside of the bladder) to determine the exact nature of the problem.Treatment:
  Depending on the diagnosis, bladder problems can often improve with simple lifestyle changes and targeted pelvic floor exercises. For others, medication may help; injections below the bladder neck (see Urethral Bulking Innovation) may be appropriate, or continence surgery such as the insertion of tapes.