What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence occurs when there is an involuntary loss of urine. It is a problem that can affect people of different ages and genders, but it occurs more frequently in women.
Urinary incontinence can occur due to muscle laxity in the bladder or pelvic floor.
When this is the cause of urinary incontinence, there are non-invasive treatments that can help solve the problem.
Female urinary incontinence
Female urinary incontinence can range from small drips to more serious leaks. It can occur due to a number of factors, including weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, pregnancy, childbirth, aging and certain medical conditions.
Common causes of female urinary incontinence may include:
Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles: The pelvic floor muscles play a key role in urinary control. Weakening of these muscles can lead to incontinence;
Pregnancy and Childbirth: The physical stress of vaginal birth can cause damage to the pelvic floor muscles, contributing to incontinence;
Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can affect urinary tract health;
Obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
Types of urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence occurs when there is pressure or effort on the bladder and the pelvic floor muscles cannot control the output of urine. This is typically a result of weakening of these muscles.
The main symptoms include loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, exercising or performing other activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Generally, the person can control urination, but cannot prevent leakage during these situations.
Urge urinary incontinence
Urge urinary incontinence is characterized by a sudden and urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by involuntary and uncontrollable bladder contractions. It may result from bladder muscle overactivity or neurological conditions that affect bladder control.
Treatment for urinary incontinence
As there are different causes of urinary incontinence, treatments may also vary.
Treatment may include pelvic floor strengthening exercises, medication, non-invasive treatments, surgical procedures, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the type and severity of the urinary incontinence and the patient’s individual needs.
When the cause of incontinence is related to muscular flaccidity of the bladder or pelvic floor, the Gyneco CO2 Laser can be a solution.
Gyneco CO2 Laser for Urinary Incontinence
The Gyneco CO2 Laser is an innovative treatment that aims to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder function, thus helping to avoid urinary incontinence. This procedure does not require surgery, providing a safe and effective alternative for those who wish to avoid more invasive solutions.
The Gyneco CO2 Laser uses carbon dioxide laser energy to stimulate collagen production and strengthen tissues in the vaginal region.
The treatment is carried out using a delicate device that emits controlled laser pulses. These pulses gently heat internal tissues, stimulating the growth of new collagen and improving tissue elasticity and firmness. This helps to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, providing better bladder control and reducing the number of urinary incontinence episodes.
This treatment can be carried out by Dr. Manuela Montalvão or Dr. Maria Manuel Sampaio, gynaecologists at Living Clinic.
Schedule an appointment to hear the recommendation of one of our gynaecologists for your particular case and clarify all your doubts.
We are on Av. da Boavista, in Porto!
