URINARY LEAKAGE IN WOMEN: WHEN TO SEE A GYNAECOLOGIST

What Is Urinary Leakage?

Urinary leakage, also known as urinary incontinence, is the involuntary loss of urine due to reduced bladder control. It may involve a few drops of urine or larger leaks, depending on the underlying cause and severity.

Urinary leakage can develop for many different reasons, including changes affecting the bladder, pelvic floor muscles, nerves or surrounding tissues. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are among the most common factors that increase the likelihood of urinary leakage in women.

What Are the Types of Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is generally classified according to how and when leakage occurs.

Stress incontinence occurs when activities increase pressure on the bladder. It commonly happens during coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects or exercise.

Urge incontinence is characterised by a sudden, intense urge to urinate that is difficult to control. Leakage may occur before reaching the toilet because the bladder contracts unexpectedly.

Mixed incontinence combines features of both stress and urge incontinence. Women may leak during physical activity and also experience sudden urges to urinate.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, causing it to become overly full. This may result in frequent dribbling or small amounts of urine leaking over time.

When Should You See a Gynaecologist for Urinary Incontinence?s

Occasional urinary leakage may not always require immediate medical attention. However, if symptoms become more frequent, worsen over time or begin interfering with your daily activities, it is advisable to see a gynaecologist for further assessment.

• Frequent or worsening urinary leakage
• A sudden change in bladder control
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Leakage that disrupts sleep, work or daily activities
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

During the consultation, your gynaecologist will ask about when leakage occurs, how often it happens and whether certain activities trigger your symptoms. They will also review your medical history, pregnancy, childbirth and surgical history, and any previous pelvic surgery that may affect bladder or pelvic floor function. Depending on your symptoms, a pelvic examination and investigations such as urine tests or bladder function studies may be recommended to help determine the cause and guide treatment.

What Can Happen If Urinary Incontinence Is Left Unmanaged?

Urinary incontinence can affect more than bladder control. Over time, persistent symptoms may have a wider impact on physical comfort, emotional wellbeing and daily activities if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Possible complications include:

Ongoing exposure to urine may irritate the skin around the genital area, increasing the risk of soreness, rashes or skin infections.

Some underlying bladder problems associated with urinary incontinence may increase the likelihood of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Night-time leakage or frequent trips to the bathroom may disrupt sleep, contributing to daytime tiredness.

Concerns about unexpected leakage may lead to embarrassment, anxiety or self-consciousness. Some women may begin avoiding social activities, travel or situations where toilet access is uncertain.

Some women reduce their participation in exercise or other physical activities because they worry about leakage, which may affect their overall health and wellbeing over time.

Urinary Incontinence Assessment and Treatment with Dr Wendy Teo

Urinary leakage can affect women at different stages of life, including during pregnancy, after childbirth and throughout menopause. Although it is common, it is not something that should simply be accepted as part of ageing or childbirth. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step towards improving bladder control and quality of life.

Wendy Women's Clinic provides assessment and treatment for women experiencing urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor conditions. Located at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, the clinic offers a supportive environment where women can discuss their symptoms openly and receive care based on their individual needs.

With advanced training in urogynaecology and women's health, Dr Wendy Teo evaluates the type and cause of urinary leakage before recommending appropriate treatment options. Depending on the underlying condition, management may include conservative therapies, medical treatment or surgical intervention.

If urinary leakage is affecting your daily activities or becoming more frequent, arrange a consultation with Dr Wendy Teo to discuss your symptoms and explore the treatment options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is urinary incontinence a normal part of ageing?

  Urinary incontinence becomes more common with age due to changes in muscle strength, hormone levels and pelvic floor support. However, it is not an inevitable part of ageing, and many women experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment.

• Can urinary incontinence be prevented?

  Not all cases can be completely prevented, but maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and regularly performing pelvic floor exercises may help reduce the risk. Seeking medical advice early if symptoms develop may also help prevent them from worsening.

• Can urinary incontinence go away on its own?

  Some cases caused by temporary conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, may improve once the underlying problem has been treated. However, persistent or recurring urinary leakage should be assessed, as it often requires targeted treatment to improve bladder control.

• Does pregnancy increase the risk of urinary incontinence?

  Yes. Pregnancy places additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, which may become stretched or weakened as the baby grows. These changes can make urinary leakage more likely during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Our Female Gynaecologist & Obstetrician in Singapore

Dr Wendy Teo
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
MBBS (Singapore), MRCOG (London)

Dr Wendy Teo is an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist with advanced training in laparoscopic and urogynaecological surgery from Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH), Singapore's leading women's and children's hospital.

During her time at KKH, Dr Teo was actively involved in clinical research and medical education, mentoring medical students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and presenting at both local and international conferences. Her commitment to continuous learning and evidence-based practice enables her to provide patients with up-to-date and comprehensive care.

Dr Teo's clinical expertise encompasses a wide range of women's health concerns, including fertility care, pregnancy management and the treatment of complex gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis. She is particularly passionate about supporting individuals and couples on their fertility journey, taking a personalised approach to care that considers each patient's unique needs and goals.