Urinary Incontinence in Gangnam

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence occurs when control over the bladder is weakened or disrupted. It is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue involving the bladder muscles, nerves, or pelvic floor.

Types of urinary incontinence include:

• Stress incontinence: Leakage during physical activity (e.g., coughing, sneezing, exercise)
• Urge incontinence: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by leakage
• Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence
• Overflow incontinence: Incomplete bladder emptying causing dribbling
• Functional incontinence: Physical or mental impairment making it hard to reach the bathroom in time

Common Causes in Women

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Menopause and hormonal changes
• Pelvic surgery (e.g., hysterectomy)
• Aging and weakened pelvic floor muscles
• Obesity or chronic coughing
• Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke)

Symptoms to Watch For

• Involuntary urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, or lifting
• Strong, sudden urge to urinate
• Frequent urination (more than 8 times/day)
• Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)
• Feeling of incomplete emptying

If you experience any of these symptoms, a prompt evaluation can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.

How Is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed in Korea?

Korea’s top women’s clinics offer comprehensive and discreet testing, including:

• Urinalysis to rule out infections
• Bladder diary to track frequency and symptoms
• Pelvic exam to assess muscle tone and prolapse
• Ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys
• Urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder pressure and urine flow

Many clinics provide same-day testing and consultation, with results discussed in private, comfortable settings.

Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence in Korea

Korean clinics offer both non-surgical and surgical solutions based on the type and severity of incontinence.

1. Lifestyle and Behavioral Therapies

• Bladder training (timed voiding)
• Fluid management and dietary adjustments
• Weight loss programs
• Smoking cessation

2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy

• Kegel exercises under guidance
• Biofeedback and pelvic physical therapy
• Electrical stimulation to strengthen bladder control

3. Medications

• Anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists for overactive bladder
• Topical estrogen cream for menopausal women
• Korean clinics offer customized medication plans with minimal side effects

4. Non-Surgical Procedures

• Laser vaginal rejuvenation (e.g., CO₂ laser, HIFU): Strengthens pelvic support and improves bladder control
• RF or ultrasound-based vaginal tightening treatments
• Incontinence pessaries: Silicone support devices inserted into the vagina

5. Surgical Options

• Mid-urethral sling surgery (TVT, TOT): A mesh sling supports the urethra
• Bladder neck suspension
• Botox injections into the bladder wall for severe urge incontinence

Minimally invasive surgeries in Korea are performed with short recovery times and high success rates.

Cost of Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Korea

Estimated cost ranges in KRW (₩):

• Consultation + basic testing: ₩50,000–₩150,000
• Pelvic ultrasound: ₩100,000–₩200,000
• Laser or RF therapy (per session): ₩300,000–₩700,000
• Medication (monthly): ₩30,000–₩100,000
• Pelvic floor physical therapy package: ₩500,000–₩1,200,000
• Sling surgery: ₩3,000,000–₩6,000,000

Korean residents may be eligible for partial coverage under National Health Insurance. International patients are welcomed with English-friendly service and upfront pricing.

Top FAQs About Urinary Incontinence

Is it normal after childbirth or aging?
It’s common, but not something you have to live with. Effective treatments are available.

Can it be cured without surgery?
Yes. Many women see significant improvement with pelvic therapy and non-surgical treatments.

Will medication cause side effects?
Most patients tolerate bladder medications well, but side effects like dry mouth or constipation may occur and can be managed.

Is the procedure painful?
Non-surgical options like laser therapy are painless and involve no downtime. Surgery is minimally invasive and typically well-tolerated.

How to Prepare for an Incontinence Consultation in Korea

• Keep a bladder diary for 2–3 days (note when and how often you urinate)
• Write down symptoms and triggers (e.g., coughing, laughing)
• Bring any previous test results or medical history
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment
• Choose a women’s clinic with urology or urogynecology specialization