«The quality of life of an affected woman is massively impaired, which leaves its mark on her well-being.»
Dr Jörg Humburg, Chief Physician, Pelvic Floor Centre, Bethesda Hospital
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30. March 2021
Bladder weakness - something many women suffer from but are reluctant to talk about
Bladder weakness can have a huge impact on quality of life because it severely restricts personal freedom and women affected by the condition are afraid and ashamed that someone will notice something, so they completely avoid sport, travelling or going to the theatre and reduce social contact to a minimum. We wanted to find out more about the diagnosis of "urinary incontinence" and spoke to Dr Jörg Humburg, Head Physician at the Bladder and Pelvic Floor Centre.
Dr Humburg, although urinary incontinence is not a life-threatening condition, it is extremely unpleasant for women who suffer from it. Do sufferers usually only find their way to your consultation after a long ordeal?
That may have been the case in my early days, but today's generation talks about it among friends, is more active in sports and does a lot of travelling. Bladder weakness no longer has a place in this lifestyle.
What impact does bladder weakness have on a woman's psyche?
The quality of life of an affected woman is massively impaired, which leaves its mark on how she feels. It is also no longer possible to sleep through the night if there is an urge to urinate, which can lead to exhaustion.
Are there specific age groups that suffer from loss of control over their bladder and urine flow?
Around 30% of women of all age groups suffer from some form of incontinence. It is often triggered by childbirth or the menopause and the associated change in hormone levels.
Dr Jörg Humburg, Chief Physician, Pelvic Floor Centre, Bethesda Hospital
Are the examinations very unpleasant or are there innovative ways to clarify the symptoms?
It is always important to have a comprehensive initial consultation with a specialist to discuss the extent of the problem. This is followed by a gynaecological examination, if necessary an outpatient, non-painful cystoscopy, functional analyses (urodynamics) and, if necessary, imaging.
The pelvic floor muscles and the holding apparatus appear to play an important role in ensuring continence - can urinary incontinence be prevented with targeted training?
The muscular part can be trained excellently. However, it requires a good deal of discipline. Physiotherapy is most effective in combination with training for everyday behaviour.
What forms of therapy and treatment options for bladder problems are available today?
There is no "one treatment method", but rather many individualised treatment approaches that take the respective life situation and physical findings into account in the best possible way. Sometimes surgery is also necessary.
What complaints or female disorders can be treated at the Pelvic Floor Centre at Bethesda Hospital?
We treat inflammation, prolapse and even stress incontinence or a hyperactive bladder are in good hands at the Pelvic Floor Centre.
Thank you Mr Humburg for your valuable answers.
You are very welcome. If a reader feels affected and addressed, she is welcome to contact us without obligation - we are happy to help. Below, our physiotherapist, Dagmar Beste Bruderer, has put together some valuable exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.