Urinary incontinence, a condition marked by the involuntary leakage of urine, is a common yet often concealed concern. It affects a more significant number of individuals than one might assume.
In Singapore, approximately 15% of women experience stress urinary incontinence, a type characterised by unintentional urine leakage during activities such as sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Despite its prevalence, this condition remains largely unspoken, with many women opting to endure it in silence rather than discussing it with friends or healthcare professionals. The reluctance to seek treatment often arises from social embarrassment and the misconception that urinary incontinence is an unavoidable consequence of ageing, leaving individuals feeling helpless in the face of this challenging condition.
While urinary incontinence can occur at any age, certain groups are more commonly affected. Understanding the demographic factors associated with urinary incontinence helps shed light on its prevalence and impact:
Age: Age plays a significant role in the occurrence of urinary incontinence. It is more commonly reported among older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above. This demographic trend can be attributed to age-related changes in bladder function, muscle tone, and overall health.
Gender: Urinary incontinence is more prevalent among women than men. This gender difference is primarily due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, all of which can weaken pelvic muscles and contribute to incontinence.
Childbearing and Pregnancy: Women who have experienced multiple pregnancies and childbirth are at an increased risk of developing urinary incontinence. The stress placed on the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and delivery can lead to long-term changes in bladder control.
Menopause: The hormonal changes associated with menopause, specifically the decrease in estrogen levels, can lead to urinary incontinence in some women. Estrogen helps maintain the strength and elasticity of the tissues that support the bladder and urethra.
Beyond demographic factors, several lifestyle, medical, and genetic elements contribute to an individual’s risk of developing urinary incontinence. These risk factors can be divided into various categories:
Stress incontinence is the most common type and occurs when there is an unintentional loss of urine during activities that exert pressure on the bladder. These activities can include laughing, coughing, sneezing, lifting, or any form of physical exertion.
Causes: Stress incontinence is primarily attributed to weakened pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter, often as a result of childbirth, pregnancy, or aging.
Symptoms: Individuals with stress incontinence may experience leakage when they engage in sudden movements or exert pressure on the abdomen.
Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterised by a strong, sudden urge to urinate, followed by an inability to hold urine long enough to reach the restroom. It can occur even when the bladder is not full.
Causes: Overactive bladder may result from abnormal bladder contractions or neurological conditions affecting bladder control.
Symptoms: Frequent, urgent trips to the restroom, often accompanied by leakage, are typical signs of urge incontinence.
Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty completely during urination, leading to continuous or intermittent leakage. It often gives the sensation of never fully emptying the bladder.
Causes: This type of incontinence may be due to an obstruction (such as an enlarged prostate in men), nerve damage, or weakened bladder muscles.
Symptoms: Frequent dribbling or a steady, small stream of urine between regular restroom visits characterizes overflow incontinence.
Mixed incontinence is a combination of two or more types of urinary incontinence, most commonly stress and urge incontinence. It presents a complex set of symptoms and challenges.
Causes: Mixed incontinence typically results from a combination of factors, often involving both weakened pelvic floor muscles and bladder overactivity.
Symptoms: Individuals with mixed incontinence may experience a range of symptoms, including leakage during physical activity, a sudden urge to urinate, and other features of both stress and urge incontinence.
Prevention of Urinary IncontinenceStrengthening the pelvic floor muscles will help to prevent urinary incontinence. To reduce the risk of urinary incontinence:
Diagnosing urinary incontinence involves a comprehensive assessment to inform treatment decisions.
Your healthcare provider will begin by discussing your symptoms and gathering your medical history. This initial evaluation helps in understanding the nature and extent of your urinary incontinence.
A physical examination, often performed by a urologist, may be conducted to assess your pelvic region and related structures. Additionally, you may be asked to perform specific activities that trigger incontinence symptoms, such as coughing.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as urine tests or pelvic scans. These tests serve to validate the symptoms and determine the precise type of urinary incontinence you are experiencing.
At Avantir Wellness, we understand the significant impact that urinary incontinence can have on one’s quality of life. That’s why we are proud to introduce StarFormer® by Fotona, a revolutionary high-intensity Tesla magnetic stimulation (HITS™) therapy that offers a versatile solution for addressing various types of urinary incontinence in both men and women.
How StarFormer® Addresses Urinary IncontinenceStarFormer® therapy goes beyond traditional approaches by effectively stimulating both pelvic floor and back muscles. By doing so, it targets the underlying causes of urinary and faecal incontinence, providing a comprehensive solution for those seeking relief.
During the therapy session, patients remain fully clothed and comfortably seated on the specialized IntimaWave® chair, which is equipped with built-in applicators in both the seat and backrest. This innovative approach ensures that the therapy is not only gentle but also quick and entirely non-invasive. There is no need for patient preparation before the session, making it a convenient choice for those seeking effective treatment.
StarFormer® IntimaWave™ Therapy has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in addressing a wide range of urinary and faecal incontinence concerns, including:
Safe, Quick, and Easy Muscle Strengthening: StarFormer® offers a safe and efficient method to strengthen pelvic floor and back muscles, addressing the root causes of urinary incontinence.
Non-Invasive with Minimal Downtime: Patients can undergo StarFormer® therapy without invasive procedures or extended recovery periods. It’s a walk-in/walk-out procedure, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities promptly.
High Success Rate and Patient Satisfaction: StarFormer® therapy has garnered high patient satisfaction due to its effectiveness in improving bladder control and overall quality of life.
No Preparation Needed: Unlike some treatments that require extensive preparation, StarFormer® therapy is hassle-free, requiring no special preparations before the session.
At Avantir Wellness, we are dedicated to providing individuals with innovative, science-based solutions to enhance their well-being. With StarFormer® therapy, we aim to empower individuals to regain control over their urinary function, improve their quality of life, and experience the benefits of a non-invasive, highly effective approach to urinary incontinence therapy.
If you are ready to experience the transformative benefits of StarFormer® urinary incontinence therapy in Singapore, schedule your consultation with us:
Contact Details:
📍 Address: #02-13 Katong Point Singapore 427664
📧 Email: team@avantirwellness.com
📱 WhatsApp: (+65) 8852 0279
