What is it?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary and involuntary uncontrollable leakage of urine that constitutes a social or hygienic problem. Urinary incontinence is not a separate disease, but a symptom that points to a more or less complex organic and/or functional disorder of the lower urinary tract. Thus, urinary incontinence occurs when the basic functions of the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra – are disturbed. Urinary incontinence can occur at any age, and the incidence of urinary incontinence varies between men and women. The weakening of the pelvic floor as a result of childbirth and gynaecological surgery, obesity, strenuous physical work and, last but not least, the genetic disposition of each individual contribute significantly to the development of urinary incontinence in women.

In practice, a simplified classification of urinary incontinence is applied, which distinguishes between urethral incontinence – stress, urge, mixed, reflex and overflow incontinence – and extraurethral incontinence (this is not urinary incontinence in the true sense, but urinary leakage by pathological means).

Stress incontinence manifests itself as involuntary leakage of urine associated with physical activities – running, jumping, lifting objects, coughing, sneezing, etc.

In clinical practice, it is important to distinguish between the two most common types of urinary incontinence in terms of treatment – the stress form and the urge form of urinary incontinence, or the so-called urinary incontinence. a mixed form of urinary incontinence, in which symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence are present simultaneously.

Urinary incontinence is divided into three stages:

• 1st degree – occasional leakage of urine, t. j. leakage by drops or leakage max. 1 – 2 times a day.
• 2nd degree – frequent leakage of urine, t. j. leakage by stream several times a day objectified by history, micturition diary or diaper test.
• 3rd degree – persistent leakage of urine, t. j. leakage several times a day, even at night while lying down (often associated with fecal incontinence).

To determine the type of urinary incontinence, it is extremely important to obtain complete information from the patient about his problems. The diagnosis itself includes a comprehensive gynecological examination, microbiological examination of the urine and vaginal environment, functional clinical and laboratory tests, standardized questionnaires, micturition diaries, imaging methods and urodynamic examination. The goal of treatment for urinary incontinence is to cure or relieve urinary leakage.

Currently, the most advanced method in the conservative treatment of stress urinary incontinence is laser treatment using IncontiLase – a non-invasive Er:YAG laser treatment. It is suitable for women with mild and moderate urinary leakage problems. It is based on non-ablative photothermal stimulation of collagen production with firming of the vaginal mucosa and surrounding structures with subsequent improvement of urethral and bladder support.

Er.YAG 2940 nm from Fotona is a non-ablative laser with patented “SMOOTH-mode” technology. With its use, collagen remodelling and the formation of new collagen fibres occurs in the area of the anterior vagina, but also in the vaginal entrance and the urethral orifice. Neocollagenization, tightening of the vaginal mucosa and pelvic floor fascia (rich in collagen) lead to greater bladder support and return of the continence mechanism to normal.

The results of clinical trials have confirmed that IncontiLase is an effective, safe and comfortable symptom-relieving treatment for patients with mild and moderate incontinence.

• Nearly 70% of patients report significant improvement in urinary leakage after 120 days.
• 120 days after IncontiLase treatment, up to 94% of patients reported improvement and 68% of all patients stated that urinary incontinence symptoms had completely disappeared.
• Improvement is noted in all measured parameters.
• No adverse effects were noted in the study.

The main advantage is that the procedure is virtually painless, with no ablation, cutting or stitches. No analgesics or antibiotics are required after the procedure. Two sessions are usually recommended to relieve mild or even moderate stress urinary incontinence. However, no special preparations or precautions are necessary and after the procedure, patients can immediately return to their normal daily activities.

These manifest themselves in different ways, whether dryness, irregular menstrual cycles or even cracks in the vaginal area. The PRP method is therefore used to “rejuvenate” the intimate parts. The patient has her own blood drawn.

In a special apparatus, blood plasma containing growth hormone is separated.

This is then injected, by tiny punctures, into the vaginal area. Before that, an anaesthetic cream is applied to numb the intimate area, making the procedure almost painless.

How does the PRP help?

• can restore the integrity of the surface of the vaginal and cervical mucosa
• helps a woman maintain a regular menstrual cycle
• improves muscle tone in the pelvic floor
• heals skin tears also in the vaginal area
• can improve sex life
• reduces the risk of infection
• reduces post-operative scars