Screening examination for incontinency

Incontinence is the accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel motion, faeces or wind from the bowel (faecal or bowel incontinence). It can happen for many reasons.

The most common types are:

• stress incontinence: the leaking of small amounts of urine during activities that increase pressure inside the abdomen and push down on the bladder (e.g. coughing, sneezing, laughing, and lifting). In women pregnancy and childbirth are the most common contributors to stress incontinency; men usually develop it after prostate surgery
• urge incontinence: a sudden and strong need to urinate. It is often caused by an over-active or unstable bladder. It is more common as people get older.
• overflow incontinence: the bladder does not empty properly and leakage occurs as a result. It may have several reasons.
• functional incontinence: physical or cognitive problems prevent the person from getting to the bathroom in time.

Examination

Gynaecological-urological examination and a physical examination provide information regarding bladder and sphincter muscle function. Urinalysis and urine culture, a urodynamic examination for bladder function and an abdominal ultrasound may be required.

Therapy

The therapy includes conservative treatment, intimate exercise, electro-stimulation and surgical therapy. Follow-up care is available at one of our co-provider institutions.