An estimated 2.1 million women in South Korea over the age of 19 experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a condition characterized by involuntary urine leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise. While surgical intervention remains the most effective treatment, non-surgical options are increasingly considered for those with milder symptoms or reservations about surgery.
According to Seoul National University Hospital, SUI frequently arises from damage to the muscles supporting the bladder and urethra, often occurring during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery. Other contributing factors include aging, menopause, obesity, and prior surgeries.
The impact of SUI extends beyond physical discomfort, significantly diminishing quality of life and potentially leading to psychological issues like depression, social isolation, and feelings of embarrassment, experts say.
Surgical repair of SUI often involves the placement of synthetic material in the mid-urethral region. Recent procedures demonstrate high success rates, reaching 90% in both the short and long term, and can often be performed under local anesthesia, minimizing patient discomfort.
Non-surgical approaches center around strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises commonly known as Kegel exercises. The principle behind these exercises is that increased muscle bulk provides better support for the bladder and urethra, helping to prevent leakage during increased abdominal pressure. Additional non-surgical treatments include electrical stimulation, targeting the nerves that control the urethral sphincter, and biofeedback, which aids in strengthening pelvic muscles.
Seoul National University Hospital emphasizes that non-surgical treatment primarily relies on pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises. They advise that treatment should be preceded by education regarding lower urinary tract anatomy and function, alongside behavioral modifications such as fluid intake restriction and timed voiding.
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