Some people may unintentionally leak urine when coughing, laughing, lifting objects, or needing to use the restroom. This condition, where urine escapes involuntarily, is called urinary incontinence. It is often referred to as a “social cancer” because it can make people fearful of even short meetings, leading them to stay at home and avoid social interactions.
According to the South Korean medical community, urinary incontinence tends to worsen in winter. Cold weather increases bladder irritation and reduces fluid loss through sweat and breathing, resulting in a higher volume of urine and exacerbating the condition. Urinary incontinence is classified into three types: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence.
Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks due to increased abdominal pressure, such as coughing or standing up after sitting or lying down. Urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate that is difficult to control. Overflow incontinence occurs when residual urine accumulates due to incomplete bladder emptying, leading to involuntary leakage.
Professor Kim Jung Joon of the Department of Urology at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, explained, “While many consider urinary incontinence to be a natural part of aging, this is not true. It is a medical condition that requires active treatment. Many hesitate to seek medical help, but incontinence can often be treated without surgery.”
Professor Kim Dong Soo of Kyung Hee University Hospital also stated, “Urinary incontinence can occur regardless of gender or age, but it is most common in middle-aged women going through menopause. In South Korea, an estimated five million people suffer from the condition, and as life expectancy increases in an aging society, the number of cases continues to rise.”
Stress incontinence, more common in women, occurs when the pelvic muscles supporting the urethra and bladder weaken. This can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or uterine conditions such as hysterectomy, all of which reduce the urethra’s ability to remain closed. Women are also more prone to incontinence because their urethra is shorter than that of men.
Recently, urinary incontinence has also been increasing among younger individuals. Caffeine in coffee and carbonated drinks acts as a diuretic, stimulating the bladder and urethra. Urge incontinence, which causes leakage even when only a small amount of urine is in the bladder, can result from urinary tract infections, medication use, or neurological conditions.
To diagnose urinary incontinence, doctors take a medical history, conduct various tests, and have patients keep a voiding diary to analyze urination patterns. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, making it crucial to tailor the approach to each patient. Available treatments include bladder training, pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback therapy, medication, and surgery.
Weight loss and pelvic floor exercises can significantly improve symptoms in mild cases of stress incontinence. However, if the condition persists, sling surgery may be performed to strengthen urethral function. This involves placing mesh tape under the urethra to provide support.
Urge incontinence is treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Techniques such as biofeedback therapy, magnetic stimulation, and Kegel exercises help enlarge and strengthen the bladder, improving treatment outcomes. Anticholinergic drugs can suppress unnecessary bladder contractions and increase bladder capacity, while beta-agonists regulate the central nervous system to alleviate symptoms. If medication proves ineffective, Botox injections into the bladder wall can partially paralyze the muscles to reduce involuntary contractions.
For mixed incontinence, which combines symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence, treatment typically involves a combination of medication and surgery. However, some cases may be managed with a single approach before considering both.
Individuals should consume adequate fiber to prevent urinary incontinence, reduce bladder irritants such as caffeine intake, and avoid spicy and salty foods. Maintaining healthy urination habits, correcting obesity, quitting smoking, and treating constipation are also beneficial.
Professor Kim Dong Soo emphasized, “Although the first visit to the hospital and diagnostic tests may seem bothersome, urinary incontinence is relatively easy to treat. It is important not to feel embarrassed but to seek active treatment and regain a vibrant life.”
Professor Kim Jung Joon added, “Recent studies have shown that skipping or reducing dinner intake can help with urinary incontinence and other health indicators. I recommend eating substantial breakfasts and lunches while eliminating or minimizing dinner intake.”