Stress incontinence test

Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or sports. The cause is usually weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter, which allows urine to leak when intra-abdominal pressure increases.

With stress incontinence, urine leakage is caused by physical exertion, while with urge incontinence, you have a sudden and urgent need to urinate, which often leads to urine leakage if you cannot reach the toilet in time. The two conditions can occur separately or together.

The problem is most common in women who have given birth naturally, especially with large babies, long and difficult deliveries, and multiple pregnancies, in women going through menopause due to a decrease in estrogen and loss of vaginal tissue tone, as well as in anyone who has pelvic floor weakness due to advanced age or genetic predisposition.

Yes, prevention includes strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises (Kegel), maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding chronic constipation and heavy physical exertion, as well as regular gynecological examinations. Special attention is recommended for women after childbirth and those who are overweight and/or have a large waist circumference, as these factors increase the risk of developing stress incontinence.

Treatment can be conservative, such as pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy, or medical, including minimally invasive procedures. One of the modern approaches is MonaLisa Touch laser therapy, which stimulates vaginal tissue regeneration, improves elasticity and support of the urethra, which can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Laser therapy is particularly suitable for women in premenopause, menopause, and those with mild to moderate stress incontinence. It is a non-surgical method with minimal discomfort and quick recovery. In more severe cases, it can be combined with other treatment methods.

Three treatments at intervals of 4–6 weeks are usually recommended during the first year. Many women report significant improvement after the first treatment, with maximum effect observed after completion of the entire series. The effect can be maintained with annual follow-up treatments.

The most important thing is not to be ashamed and to seek professional help. Stress incontinence is a common problem and there are effective solutions. Early diagnosis, an individual approach, and prevention in women after childbirth or who are overweight give the best results.