In this blog, we’ll explore the causes, how to treat stress incontinence, and why the O Concept™ here at Dr SW Clinics is the most effective treatment option.

What Causes Stress Incontinence?

Stress incontinence happens when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and control the release of urine become weakened. Some common causes of this include:

• Childbirth: Vaginal delivery can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles and the supportive tissues around the bladder, which can lead to stress incontinence.
• Menopause: Menopause causes a decrease in oestrogen levels which can cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken, reducing their ability to effectively control the bladder.
• Ageing: As we age, the muscles in our bodies, including those in the pelvic region, can lose strength and elasticity, making it harder to control bladder function.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can increase pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles, which can contribute to stress incontinence.
• Previous pelvic surgery: Surgeries involving the pelvic area, such as hysterectomy, can sometimes lead to incontinence issues.

How to Treat Stress Incontinence

There are a number of ways you can treat stress incontinence, including:

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises such as Kegels can significantly improve muscle tone and provide better support for the bladder and urethra. These exercises involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of leakage, effectively treating stress urinary incontinence.

Behavioral Modifications

Lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in managing stress incontinence. Some effective behavioral modifications include:

• Managing Fluid Intake: Drinking the right amount of fluids at the right times can help reduce the need for frequent urination.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Losing excess weight can decrease the pressure on your bladder and pelvic muscles, thereby reducing symptoms.
• Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding activities that trigger stress urinary incontinence, like heavy lifting or high-impact exercises, can help minimise leakage episodes.

Bladder Training

Bladder training involves techniques like scheduled voiding and delayed urination to help retrain the bladder and improve urinary control. By following a regular urination schedule and gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits, you can teach your bladder to hold urine for longer periods, and thereby reduce the urgency and frequency of incontinence episodes.

Medical Devices

For some women, medical devices can provide additional support and help reduce leakage, which may be especially effective for treating stress incontinence in post-partum. These devices include:

• Vaginal Pessaries: A vaginal pessary is a device inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and help prevent urine leakage.
• Urethral Inserts: These are disposable devices that are inserted into the urethra to block urine leakage during physical activities.

Medications

In some cases, medications can be prescribed to help improve urethral sphincter function or increase bladder muscle tone. These medications work to strengthen the muscles that control urination or relax the bladder, thereby effectively improving your ability to hold urine and reducing leakage.

Surgical Intervention

For more severe cases of stress incontinence, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Bladder Neck Suspension: This procedure involves securing the bladder neck and urethra to prevent them from moving downward during physical activity, helping to reduce leakage.
• Sling Procedures: With this stress incontinence treatment, a sling made of synthetic material or your own tissue is placed under the urethra to provide additional support and help prevent urine leakage.
• Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement: This involves implanting a device that can be controlled to open and close the urethra, providing better control over urination.

Why Choose the O Concept™ for Stress Incontinence Treatment?

Here at Dr SW Clinics, our very own Dr Sherif has pioneered the revolutionary O Concept™ which offers 60+ incredible treatments made bespoke to each and every individual. The O Concept™ includes the BTL Emsella Femme 360™ and the O Shot®, which both act as exceptional treatments for stress urinary incontinence and bladder leaks.

The Ultra Femme 360™ uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to induce intense pelvic floor muscle contractions. This treatment works to significantly strengthen these muscles and reduce incontinence symptoms.

The O Shot® uses Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) from your own blood to rejuvenate and strengthen vaginal tissues, enhancing pelvic floor muscle strength and bladder control while also improving sexual sensation, libido, and so much more.

Watch Dr Sherif discussing the Ultra Femme 360 and our incredible O Shot® testimonial below.

Take Back Control with Dr SW Clinics

Living with stress incontinence can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to control your life. At Dr SW Clinics, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to help you manage and treat stress incontinence.

By understanding the causes, exploring effective treatments, and taking advantage of our advanced solutions, you can take back control and enjoy a better quality of life. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward overcoming stress incontinence for good.