Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It can occur due to various factors, such as weakened pelvic muscles, nerve damage, or medical conditions.

Alfa Clinic is a leading provider of urinary incontinence treatment in the region, offering a range of options to help patients manage and overcome this condition.

Dr. Ali Poonawala and specialized nurses work closely with patients to identify the underlying causes of urinary incontinence and develop individualized treatment plans. We offer a range of treatment options for urinary incontinence, including lifestyle modifications, pelvic muscle exercises, medications, and surgical interventions.

Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to accurately diagnose urinary incontinence and develop tailored treatment plans. We understand that urinary incontinence can be a sensitive and embarrassing issue for many patients, and as such, we take a compassionate and supportive approach to care.

Our team prioritizes patient education and communication throughout the treatment process, ensuring that patients understand their condition and the options available to them. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach to care and work closely with other medical professionals, such as gynecologists and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care for our patients.

We use the latest technology and equipment to provide accurate and effective treatments for urinary incontinence, with a focus on non-invasive and minimally invasive options whenever possible. Our team is committed to patient safety and comfort, and we take all necessary precautions to ensure that our treatments are safe and effective.

PREVALENCE IN WESTERN WORLD :

Category

Age yrs

% with UI

Men

15-64

1.5-5%

Women

15-64

10-30%

Non-institutionalized

65+

15-35% (70%♀)

Institutionalized

65+

53%

URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN

1] (Nygaard, Thompson, Svengalis, 1994)

2] (Elving, Foldspang, Lam, Mommsen, 1989)

How About India?

12% of women have Urinary Incontinence. (Asian Society for female Urology)

Urinary Incontinence in Southern Asia (Extrapolated Statistics at 5%)

Country/Region

Extrapolated Prevalence

Population Estimated

1,362,786

28,513,6772

6,755,243

141,340,4762 

104,457

2,185,5692 

50,904,110

1,065,070,6072 

7,608,648

159,196,3362 

951,349

19,905,1652 

FAQ

  • The causes are different in children, mainly due to some development defects or incorrect toilet training during early childhood.
  • Infections can cause incontinence at any age, which is temporary.
  • In women, multiple pregnancies, difficult childbirth can cause urine leakage.
  • There may be incontinence due to injury to Spinal cord and nervous system diseases.
Again, data is not available for our population, but costs can be at an individual level and at the societal level.


Individual:​
Financial: $ 1000-3000 annual exp. For absorbents


Psychosocial: ​
Fear of smell, embarrassment and sexual difficulties​
2/3 sedentary women (24-64 age) stated SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence, leakage on coughing and sneezing) as cause for their physical inactivity


Society:​
US – 16.4 billion $ in 1996 41$ per inhabitant1​
Sweden- 2 billion SEK in 1990 38 $ per inhabitant
1Agency for Health Care Policy and Research USA
Quite often, a simple clinical examination, by a competent doctor, is all that is required. Examination of urine is necessary and in some patients special tests may be necessary.
An Ultrasound examination (Scan) is useful, costs 1.5 K Rupees. In less than 10% patients, Urodynamics testing is required to get more information. Average cost of that test is about 5 K rupees.
Early cases of urinary leakage may be treated by simple exercises, done regularly. Some can be helped with medications. Some may need simple appliance to remain smell free. Only advanced cases, about 5-10% of total, will need surgery.
For a large number of SUI (Stress Urinary Incontinence) an operation lasting 30 minutes, in which special tape is inserted to restore the normal position of the bladder and the valve is done, as a day care procedure or an overnight stay. The cost of the tape. Varies from 4-8 K for indigenous ones to 20 -25 K for others. In some types if incontinence, Implantable Artificial Urinary Sphincter is also an option. Leakage due to VVF (communication between bladder and vagina) will require a slightly longer operation, with an average hospitalization of 5 days.
To an extent, well supervised child birth programme can prevent some of these incontinence problems.
To prevent SUI(Stress Urinary Incontinence, leakage on coughing,sneezing, jumping etc) , there are exercises to strengthen muscles. These should be taught during Ante-natal (before birth) visits and done regularly after child birth. Vesico-Vaginal Fistulas are due to prolonged labour and are prevented if child birth is well supervised and prolonged labour is avoided.
It is not normal at any age to be wet, smelly and be an outcast. Help is available… Awareness is the key. 
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