Women who avoid laughing, fear coughing, and even hesitate to visit their neighbors… The condition known medically as urinary incontinence and commonly referred to as urine leakage is often suppressed due to feelings of shame and rarely shared with anyone. This issue, which severely affects women both physically and psychologically, is seen in 1 out of every 4 women in our country, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çetin Kılıççı, a Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital.
“Due to the fear of urine leakage in inappropriate situations, women withdraw from social life. They hesitate to go out in public and develop phobias. When they need to visit public spaces or shopping malls, they first locate the restroom and try to stay close to it,” he explains. Dr. Kılıççı emphasizes that because this issue is often kept hidden—even from doctors—due to embarrassment, the opportunity for early treatment is missed. However, if diagnosed early, the condition can be treated very easily.
“I don’t even want to visit my neighbor,” “I’m afraid to go out,” “I can’t make it to the bathroom on time”…
These and similar complaints point to a widespread yet rarely discussed issue among women in our country that significantly reduces quality of life. Many women believe they are the only ones experiencing this problem, but urinary incontinence is actually very common.
*”It is both widespread and frequently overlooked. Therefore, recognizing urinary incontinence, treating it, or referring patients to the appropriate specialist is crucial. Studies in our country indicate that it affects 25-45% of women,”* says Dr. Kılıççı. He adds that the frequency of urinary incontinence increases after the age of 40, but it can also appear in women in their 30s—especially in those with obesity, connective tissue disorders, weak bladder muscles, difficult childbirths, or chronic constipation.
“In women who have had vaginal deliveries, weakening of connective tissue over time leads to a higher incidence of incontinence in menopausal years.”
Varies by Stress and Age
Dr. Kılıççı explains that patients with urinary incontinence typically present with two types of complaints:
- Stress Incontinence – Leakage occurs during straining, sudden coughing, sneezing, heavy lifting, exercise, sudden movements, or bending.
- Urge Incontinence – More common with aging, this type involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by severe leakage. Many patients cannot reach the bathroom in time and experience accidents while rushing to find a restroom.
“Due to the fear of leakage in public, women isolate themselves socially, avoid crowds, and develop phobias. When they must visit public places or shopping centers, they first locate restrooms and stay nearby.”
Many Patients Mistake It for a Natural Part of Aging!
Many women believe they are alone in experiencing this issue, while others assume it is just a normal part of aging.
“Unfortunately, in our country, urinary incontinence is often seen as a childish problem, so women hesitate to talk about it due to fear of embarrassment. However, this is a medical condition—just like diabetes or high blood pressure—and it can be treated,” says Dr. Kılıççı.
How to Prevent This Problem!
To avoid urinary incontinence and bladder prolapse in later years, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as obesity is a major risk factor. Additionally, treating conditions that increase abdominal pressure—such as chronic constipation and chronic coughing—is essential. Pelvic floor exercises and regular physical activity can also help strengthen pelvic muscles.
Modern Treatment Methods
Treatment varies depending on the patient. Some benefit from pelvic floor exercises and medication, while others may require advanced treatments like bladder Botox.
“Lifestyle changes (weight loss, reducing caffeine intake) and pelvic floor exercises are the first line of treatment. For more advanced cases, medication is the second step. If these methods fail, surgical treatment can yield highly successful results.”
Laparoscopic Method: Small Incisions & Faster Recovery
For patients with stress incontinence (leakage triggered by coughing/sneezing), laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery is an option.
“In laparoscopic surgery, we support the bladder base through small abdominal incisions or vaginal access. These procedures use specially designed mesh and hooks, and the operation is completed in just 30 minutes. Today, urinary incontinence is not a woman’s fate—especially when diagnosed early, treatment is straightforward and highly successful.”
