Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a common and significant condition that can affect both women and men of any age. It is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine and may substantially reduce quality of life.
The most frequent types include:
- Stress incontinence – leakage during physical activity, coughing, or sneezing
- Urgency incontinence – sudden, strong urge to urinate with involuntary leakage
- Mixed incontinence – a combination of stress and urgency symptoms
According to clinical studies:
- more than 20% of women over 60 experience urinary incontinence
- around 10% of men after the age of 60 are also affected
The causes vary: in women, childbirth and pelvic floor weakening are major risk factors; in men, prostate diseases and post-treatment complications play a central role.
Diagnostic Methods
Effective treatment is only possible with an accurate diagnosis. We offer the full spectrum of modern diagnostic tools, including:
- urodynamic testing of bladder function
- ultrasound examinations of the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract
- cystoscopy – visual inspection of the bladder and urethra
- radiological imaging of the urinary tract
- gynecological examination (for women), including pelvic floor assessment
The diagnostic process is performed by an interdisciplinary team of urologists, gynecologists, and surgeons, ensuring precise identification of the cause of incontinence.
Treatment Options
Therapy is individually tailored and may include both conservative and surgical approaches.
Conservative Therapy
- pelvic floor muscle training (with electrical stimulation or biofeedback)
- physiotherapy and structured rehabilitation programs
- lifestyle modification and prevention of recurrence
- pharmacological treatment
Surgical Treatment
- TVT/TOT sling procedures
- robot-assisted surgical procedures
- artificial urinary sphincter implantation
- botulinum toxin injections
- sacral neuromodulation (SNS)
Treatment Options for Female Incontinence
- Physiotherapy and biofeedback – pelvic floor training combined with electrical stimulation and biofeedback techniques
- Pharmacological therapy – effective for overactive bladder symptoms
- Injection therapy – periurethral injection of hyaluronic acid
- Sling procedures (TVT & TOT) – the gold standard for stress urinary incontinence caused by urethral hypermobility
- Surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse – cystocele repair, colpopexy, sacrocolpopexy, including mesh-supported techniques
- Minimally invasive robotic surgery – e.g., laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures providing exceptional precision and minimal tissue trauma
Treatment Options for Male Incontinence
- Physiotherapy and biofeedback – particularly important in the early phase after radical prostatectomy
- Bulking agent injections – used selectively due to their temporary effect
- Male sling procedures – effective for stress urinary incontinence following prostate removal
- Artificial urinary sphincter implantation – the most effective option for severe incontinence, with long-term success rates exceeding 85%
Our Advantages
- Interdisciplinary team: urologists, gynecologists, physiotherapists, and specialized nursing staff
- Personalized care: individually tailored treatment and rehabilitation plans
- State-of-the-art equipment: latest diagnostic technologies and minimally invasive surgical methods
- Expertise and recognition: our department has been among the leading centers in Germany for many years in the treatment of male and female urinary incontinence
Prevention and Follow-Up Care
- individualized lifestyle and dietary recommendations
- prevention and management of urinary tract infections
- patient and caregiver training in self-care techniques
- regular monitoring and therapy adjustments
- rehabilitation with physiotherapists and occupational therapists
Appointment and Contact
📞 Phone: +49 761 270 21310
📧 E-mail: info-international@uniklinik-freiburg.de
🌐 Online request