Ultimate Guide on Female Urinary Incontinence Management: Treatment, Costs, and Benefits

Table of Contents Introduction Understanding Female Urinary Incontinence Diagnosing Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options for Female Urinary Incontinence  Benefits of Managing Urinary Incontinence Costs associated with Urinary Incontinence  How to Find the Right Specialist for Female Urinary Incontinence in Singapore Frequently Asked Questions References

Female urinary incontinence, or involuntary urination, is when uncontrolled urine leakage occurs. This may happen due to weakened or overactive bladder muscles, nerve damage, or issues with pelvic floor support. Factors such as pregnancy, menopause, ageing, obesity, and medical conditions can contribute to its development.

Urinary incontinence is a common yet underreported condition among women in Singapore.  A study [1] in 2018 revealed that approximately four in ten women experience urinary incontinence, yet less than half of them seek medical help. This is likely due to embarrassment, as this condition can impact one’s quality of life and mental health.  However, seeking treatment to manage urinary incontinence is important as there are several solutions available today, helping women who suffer from this condition improve self-confidence and prevent complications like infections and skin irritation.

Keep reading to find out everything you should know about managing female urinary incontinence. 

Understanding Female Urinary Incontinence

Female urinary incontinence is a medical condition that can significantly impact daily life. Many women with this condition experience urine leakage with everyday activities including coughing, laughing, or exercising, or they may have uncontrollable urges to urinate. Understanding the different symptoms, risk factors, and types of urinary incontinence is the first step toward effective management and treatment.

Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence 

Urinary incontinence can affect women in different ways, from occasional leaks to uncontrollable urges to urinate. These symptoms can disrupt daily activities, impact confidence, and interfere with sleep. Understanding the signs of urinary incontinence is the first step toward finding the right treatment and improving bladder control.

Common symptoms of female urinary incontinence include:

• Frequent urination (more than seven to eight times during the day and more than once at night) 
• Sudden and strong urges to urinate that may sometimes lead to leakage
• Accidental leakage during physical activities such as sneezing, laughing, and exercising 
• Waking up multiple times at night to urinate (nocturia)
• A sensation of incomplete urination and difficulty emptying the bladder completely

Types of Female Urinary Incontinence 

From pregnancy and menopause to chronic health conditions, various factors contribute to weakened bladder muscles that cause female urinary incontinence. There are also several types of urinary incontinence, including: 

 

	Urine leakage due to sudden increased abdominal pressure under stress (weak pelvic floor muscles). May need to wear pads depending on the leakage frequency, causing social and hygiene issues. Grade 1 (Mild) Happens when there’s severe abdominal stress Coughing Sneezing Laughing Lifting Grade 2 (Moderate) Occurs when there’s moderate abdominal straining Running Jumping, etc. Grade 3 (Severe) Leakage when one moves such as Walking Minimal activity Also associated with: Vaginal birth, Menopause, Urethral surgeries.
	A strong desire to urinate due to involuntary contraction of the bladder muscles. Most patients will complain of urinary leakage when they reach the door of their house, just before they sit down in the washroom or when they hear running water. Occasionally, it can be a symptom of an underlying problem like Diabetes Mellitus. It can also be triggered by a change in position or sexual intercourse.
	Commonly affects the elderly. Frequent or constant urine leakage (also known as dribbling) due to the bladder’s inability to fully empty itself.
	Combination of SUI and UI symptoms.

 

Risk Factors of Female Urinary Incontinence 

While urinary incontinence can affect both men and women, women [2] are particularly at risk due to several unique factors, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth: The strain of carrying a baby and the physical trauma of childbirth often weakens pelvic muscles and damages nerves, leading to bladder control issues for some women.

• Menopause: Estrogen levels drop during menopause, which reduces pelvic muscle strength and affects bladder function.

• Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, causing involuntary leakage.

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, including during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect bladder control.

• Surgery: Procedures such as hysterectomy can weaken pelvic support structures, increasing the risk of incontinence.

• Chronic constipation: Frequent straining can weaken pelvic muscles over time, contributing to bladder leakage.

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent infections can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence symptoms.

• Ageing: Muscle weakening and reduced bladder elasticity over time can make it hard to control urination for older female adults.

 

Diagnosing Urinary Incontinence

In order to diagnose urinary incontinence, a doctor or specialist will conduct a medical examination to assess symptoms, lifestyle habits, childbirth history, and existing medical conditions. A pelvic exam may also be carried out to check for muscle weakness or prolapse.

Other diagnostic tests [3] may include: 

• Urinalysis: Detects infections or underlying conditions.
• Bladder tracking: Taking note of urination patterns and fluid intake.
• Pad Test: Measures urine leakage amount.
• Urodynamic Testing: Evaluates bladder function and pressure.
• Cystoscopy: A test that uses a small camera to inspect the bladder.

Treatment Options for Female Urinary Incontinence 

Urinary incontinence is a highly treatable condition, with various options available today depending on the severity and underlying cause. Many women find relief through lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises, while others may benefit from medications, physical therapy, or minimally invasive procedures. 

In more severe cases, surgical treatments [4] can provide long-term solutions. By exploring the treatment approach that’s suitable for them, women who are suffering from this condition can regain control over their bladder, improve their quality of life, and restore confidence. Here are some common treatment options for managing female urinary incontinence:

• Lifestyle modifications: Includes pelvic floor exercises (kegels) that strengthen muscles that control urination, bladder training, weight management, and dietary changes.

• Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed, including anticholinergics – (reduces bladder spasms), Beta-3 Agonists (improves bladder relaxation), and topical estrogen ( for postmenopausal women)

• Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises guided by a physical therapist, such as pelvic floor therapy, can be beneficial for long-term management of female urinary incontinence. 

• Minimally invasive procedures: Several procedures can improve symptoms, such as neurotoxin injections to temporarily relax bladder muscles and pessary device (vaginal insert to provide bladder support). 

• Surgical treatments: For severe cases, surgical treatment to treat weakened pelvic floor and bladder muscles, such as sling surgery, bladder neck suspension, and artificial urinary sphincter, may be recommended. 

 

Consulting with a urologist who can diagnose the severity of the condition and recommend treatment approaches is the first step towards managing female urinary incontinence. If you’re experiencing the symptoms outlined above, consider seeking professional help. 

 

Benefits of Managing Urinary Incontinence

There are numerous benefits to managing urinary incontinence, including:

• Improved quality of life.
• Enhanced self-confidence and reduced social anxiety.
• Improved sleep and overall well-being.
• Prevents infections and skin irritation.

• Lowers risk of complications like urinary tract infections.

• Fewer medical expenses in the long run.

 

Costs Associated with Urinary Incontinence

Managing urinary incontinence comes with both direct and indirect costs. Financial expenses may include medical consultations, medications, physical therapy, and surgical treatments. This condition also has a psychological impact [5], leading to anxiety, embarrassment, and even depression in some cases. Urinary incontinence can also reduce work productivity and lead to social withdrawal due to fear of leakage.

In Singapore, the cost of treatment varies based on the type of intervention required. Consultation fees with a Urologist typically range from SGD 150 – 250, while pelvic floor therapy sessions cost approximately SGD 150 – 500. Medications can range from SGD 50 – 200 per month, and minimally invasive treatments, such as Neurotoxin injections or nerve stimulation, may cost between SGD 1,500 – 5,000. For severe cases requiring surgical intervention, procedures can range from SGD 8,000 – 15,000. Prices vary depending on the hospital, specialist, and insurance coverage.

At Aare Urocare, we simplify your healthcare experience by managing both insurance and Medisave claims for you. Our team works with insurers to secure pre-authorisations and process claims efficiently, ensuring you maximise your coverage benefits, while also assisting with Medisave submissions to help you utilise your funds seamlessly. This comprehensive support lets you focus on your care with peace of mind.

 

How to Find the Right Specialist for Female Urinary Incontinence in Singapore

Choosing the right specialist is essential for effective treatment of urinary incontinence. Women should look for experts with specialised training and experience who focus on bladder health and pelvic floor disorders to ensure comprehensive diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual needs. They should also consider factors such as costs, location, and access to surgical techniques. 

Founded by Dr Fiona Wu, senior consultant urologist with a heartfelt dedication to female urinary incontinence, Aare Urocare is a one-stop incontinence centre in Singapore. With a deep commitment to empowering women, she offers a patient-centric, holistic approach, crafting personalised solutions that restore confidence and elevate quality of life. Learn more or book a consultation with Dr. Fiona Wu at AARE Urocare.

 

Conclusion

Female urinary incontinence is a highly treatable condition that should not be ignored as it can lead to further complications. From lifestyle changes to minimally invasive treatments and surgery, multiple options are available. Effective management of this condition can significantly improve quality of life, mental well-being, and long-term health. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Can urinary incontinence be cured permanently?

It depends on the cause and treatment method. Lifestyle changes, therapy, medications, and surgical procedures can provide long-term relief for this condition.

How soon can I see improvement with treatment?

It depends on the treatment as pelvic floor exercises may take weeks, while procedures like Neurotoxin injections offer quick relief.

Can insurance cover urinary incontinence treatment?

Some treatments are covered under Medisave and private insurance plans in Singapore. Consult your provider for details.

When should I worry about urine leakage?

 

Seek professional help if you have symptoms of a bladder problem, such as trouble urinating, a loss of bladder control, waking up frequently to use the bathroom, or leaking urine.

References

1. Luo, R., Dai, W., Tay, L. H., Ng, F. C., & Koh, L. T. (2018). Urinary incontinence in female outpatients in Singapore. International urogynecology journal, 29(4), 579–584. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-017-3488-z
2. Danforth, K. N., Townsend, M. K., Lifford, K., Curhan, G. C., Resnick, N. M., & Grodstein, F. (2006). Risk factors for urinary incontinence among middle-aged women. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 194(2), 339–345. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2005.07.051
3. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Urinary incontinence – Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352814
4. Brazzelli, M., Javanbakht, M., Imamura, M., Hudson, J., Moloney, E., Becker, F., Wallace, S., Omar, M. I., Shimonovich, M., MacLennan, G., Ternent, L., Vale, L., Montgomery, I., Mackie, P., Saraswat, L., Monga, A., & Craig, D. (2019). Surgical treatments for women with stress urinary incontinence: the ESTER systematic review and economic evaluation. Health technology assessment (Winchester, England), 23(14), 1–306. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3310/hta23140
5. AlQuaiz, A. M., Kazi, A., AlYousefi, N., Alwatban, L., AlHabib, Y., & Turkistani, I. (2023). Urinary Incontinence Affects the Quality of Life and Increases Psychological Distress and Low Self-Esteem. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(12), 1772. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11121772