Urinary incontinence is more than just a medical issue. It can impact your daily life, self-confidence, and emotional well-being.
Urinary incontinence in Singapore affects many people, ranging from postpartum mothers to aging adults. While lifestyle changes, medication, and non-surgical treatments can help, some cases may require surgery for long-term relief.
But when is surgery truly worth considering for urinary incontinence treatment in Singapore? Please, stay on this page to find out.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, occurring when the bladder muscles weaken or the pelvic floor can no longer support the bladder effectively. It can affect people of all ages but is more common in older adults, particularly women.
There are several types of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable need to urinate, often linked to an overactive bladder. Mixed incontinence combines both stress and urge incontinence.
There is also overflow incontinence which happens when the bladder fails to empty completely, leading to frequent and unexpected urine leaks. The severity of urinary incontinence can range from mild to severe, and treatment will depend on the type and underlying cause.
Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence in Singapore
Hospitals and clinics in Singapore offer a wide range of treatment options for urinary incontinence which cater to various needs and severity levels. Non-surgical treatments are often the first approach for urinary incontinence treatment in Singapore.
Options here often include pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegels, which strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder control. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine, quitting smoking, or losing weight can also significantly alleviate symptoms.
Also, you could use medications like anticholinergics to manage urge incontinence by calming overactive bladder muscles. Pessary devices, small and removable, are inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and reduce leakage.
For those who require more advanced solutions, you may be recommended minimally invasive treatments. Bladder Botox injections are effective for relaxing overactive bladder muscles and reducing symptoms.
Urethral bulking agents are injected into the urethral walls to prevent unwanted leakage by improving their thickness and support. While non-surgical and minimally invasive methods are effective for many, surgery may be considered for severe cases.
So, When Is Surgery for Urinary Incontinence Worth It?
Surgery for urinary incontinence treatment in Singapore is typically considered when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief or when the condition significantly impacts quality of life. Here are some of the factors that determine when surgery is worth it;
- Severity of Symptoms: If you experience frequent, uncontrollable leaks that disrupt daily activities, surgery might be a viable option. Mild incontinence often responds well to lifestyle changes and medications, but severe cases may require a more permanent solution.
- Impact on Quality of Life: Does incontinence limit your ability to work, socialize, or exercise? When the condition begins to affect mental health or emotional well-being, surgery can offer much-needed relief.
- Type of Incontinence: Stress incontinence often responds well to surgical treatments like sling procedures. Urge incontinence, on the other hand, is usually managed with medication or Botox injections which explain why surgery is less common for this type.
While surgery may help with urinary incontinence, it isn’t for everyone. When seeking urinary incontinence treatment in Singapore, your doctor will assess your overall health, age, and ability to undergo anesthesia.
For instance, persons with multiple health conditions may be better suited to less invasive treatments. Here are some of the most common surgery options for urinary incontinence in Singapore;
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Sling Procedures
Sling procedures are one of the most common surgical treatments for stress incontinence. During this procedure, a sling made from synthetic material or the patient’s own tissue is placed under the urethra to provide support and prevent accidental leakage during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or lifting.
This surgery has a high success rate, with most patients reporting significant improvement after the procedure. Recovery time is typically between 2 to 6 weeks which means that patients are usually able to return to most daily activities within a few weeks.
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Colposuspension (Burch Procedure)
The colposuspension, or Burch procedure, involves lifting and securing the bladder neck with stitches to reduce urine leakage. This option is commonly recommended for women who do not respond well to sling procedures.
The Burch procedure is considered highly effective, with many patients achieving long-lasting results. Recovery time can take between 6 to 12 weeks, depending on individual health factors, but it offers a reliable solution for those struggling with stress incontinence.
- Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)
The artificial urinary sphincter is most commonly used for men, particularly those experiencing incontinence following prostate surgery. This procedure involves implanting an inflatable cuff around the urethra, which can be manually controlled to regulate urine flow.
The AUS is highly effective for managing male stress incontinence as it provides patients with a dependable way to control their symptoms. Recovery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, with proper functioning allowing patients to regain confidence and independence.
- Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS)
Sacral nerve stimulation is a less invasive option that involves implanting a small device to send electrical impulses to the sacral nerves, which are responsible for controlling the bladder. This procedure is particularly effective for those suffering from urge incontinence.
Done correctly, sacral nerve stimulation can effectively help regulate abnormal bladder signals. The recovery time for this treatment is minimal, with most patients resuming normal activities shortly after the procedure.
- Urethral Reconstruction
Urethral reconstruction is a less common surgical option when it comes to urinary incontinence treatment in Singapore. Nonetheless, it can help for individuals with structural abnormalities in the urethra.
This procedure involves repairing or reconstructing the urinary tract to restore normal bladder function. While it may not be the first-line surgical treatment for most cases of incontinence, it is an important option for those with specific anatomical issues which affect normal bladder control.
Closing Thoughts
Urinary incontinence can be life-disrupting. The good news is that there are effective treatment options which actually offer hope and relief.
Surgery is worth considering for those with severe symptoms or when other treatments fail. However, every case is unique. Consult with a qualified urologist to compare your options and decide if surgery aligns with your needs and goals. Schedule a quick appointment below;
Aare Urocare – One-Stop Incontinence Centre | Dr Fiona Wu | Kidney Stones Removal | UTI Vaccine Singapore
6 Napier Rd, #10-06 Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore 258499
+65 6252 4681
https://aareurology.sg/
