Urinary incontinence (also known as urine leakage) is a common condition in women. It refers to the involuntary leaking of urine from the urethra. It may occur when you sneeze, cough, run, laugh, during sexual activity, or even when you hear water. It is often seen in middle-aged women, women who have given birth, those who are overweight, or those who have long-term coughing.
Although many women experience this, it does not mean it should be ignored or accepted as inevitable. Urinary incontinence is treatable, and you should seek medical advice. Below is a shared case example of how a patient sought treatment for urinary leakage.
Patient: Ms. Lee, 48 years old
She has had two births and is a homemaker. During her pregnancy, she experienced urinary incontinence. At first, she thought it was a normal consequence of childbirth. Over time, her symptoms gradually worsened, prompting her to seek medical care.
When Ms. Lee came for consultation, she reported frequent urine leakage, particularly when coughing, sneezing, turning quickly, or laughing. She experienced leakage more than six times per day. Each time, the amount was approximately 1–2 tablespoons, and occasionally she had complete loss of bladder control. As a result, she needed to change her underwear frequently.
These symptoms caused her significant distress and embarrassment. They affected her daily life and made her hesitant to attend social activities. In addition, she often felt a heaviness in the lower abdomen and pelvic floor, sometimes accompanied by pain—especially after standing or being active for a long time.
Based on her medical history and relevant gynaecological and pelvic floor examinations, clinicians found that Ms. Li had weak pelvic floor muscle strength. She also underwent urodynamic testing, which confirmed stress urinary incontinence.
Doctors recommended pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises) and non-surgical vaginal tightening. After several months of training and treatment, Ms. Lee’s symptoms did not improve.
Since Ms. Lee had no plans for further childbirth, the doctor advised her to undergo a tension-free mid-urethral sling procedure.
After surgery, Ms. Lee’s symptoms improved significantly. Her urine leakage episodes were greatly reduced. With months of recovery and rehabilitation, she returned to normal daily activities and felt a renewed sense of confidence.
If you have any questions, please consult your gynaecologist.
