Causes, Types, and Modern Non‑Surgical Solutions
Urinary incontinence refers to the unintentional leakage of urine and is a common condition affecting women of all ages. While often under‑discussed, it can significantly impact confidence, daily activities, and quality of life.
Urinary incontinence occurs when the bladder, pelvic floor muscles, or the nerves controlling bladder function become weakened or disrupted. The good news is that effective, non‑surgical treatments are now available.
At Refine Clinic, we most commonly treat two main types of female urinary incontinence:
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
- Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI), also known as Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Understanding how these conditions differ helps guide the most effective treatment plan.
Understanding How the Bladder Works
The bladder stores urine produced by the kidneys and releases it through the urethra when it contracts. This process is controlled by:
- A sphincter muscle, which keeps urine in the bladder
- The pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and urethra
- The nervous system, which signals when it’s time to urinate
When the pelvic organs – including the bladder, urethra, vagina, uterus, and rectum – are placed under stress or lose structural support, urinary leakage can occur.
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Stress urinary incontinence is the most common form of incontinence in women under 60. It occurs when physical activity places pressure on the bladder, leading to urine leakage.
Common Triggers Include:
- Coughing or sneezing.
- Laughing.
- Jumping or running.
- Exercise or lifting.
- Sudden movements.
Risk Factors for Stress Incontinence
Several factors can weaken the pelvic floor and increase the risk of SUI:
- Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth.
- Hysterectomy or pelvic surgery.
- Reduced pelvic muscle tone.
- Menopause and hormonal changes.
- Obesity.
- Chronic coughing (including smoking‑related cough).
- High‑impact sports and repetitive strain.
Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI / Overactive Bladder)
Urge urinary incontinence is characterised by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often followed by involuntary leakage. It is commonly referred to as Overactive Bladder (OAB).
Women with UUI may feel they cannot reach the toilet in time, even when the bladder is not full.
Common Causes of Urge Incontinence
UUI may be associated with underlying nervous system or bladder conditions, including:
- Diabetes.
- Stroke.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Spinal cord injury or nerve damage.
- Bladder irritation or inflammation.
PRP Treatment for Urinary Incontinence at Refine Clinic
At Refine Clinic, we offer a modern, non‑surgical treatment for female urinary incontinence using Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
PRP is a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own blood to stimulate tissue repair, strengthen structural support, and improve function around the urethra and vaginal canal.
Well known for its success in skin and hair rejuvenation, PRP also promotes collagen production and tissue regeneration, making it an effective option for certain types of urinary incontinence.
How PRP Treatment Works
- A small sample of your blood is taken.
- The blood is processed to isolate platelet‑rich plasma, concentrated in growth factors.
- PRP is carefully injected into the tissue surrounding the urethra.
- These growth factors stimulate healing, improve support, and strengthen the pelvic tissues.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Many women notice improvement within 1–2 weeks.
- Results continue to develop gradually over time.
- No surgery or implants are required.
The procedure is:
- Non‑surgical.
- Minimally invasive.
- Safe and well‑tolerated.
- Designed to support long‑term pelvic health.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP treatment may be suitable for women with:
- Mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence.
- Post‑childbirth pelvic floor weakness.
- Early menopausal tissue changes.
- Symptoms that have not responded to conservative measures.
A personalised consultation with Dr. Natalia Bratu is essential to determine suitability.
If you’d like to learn more about PRP treatment for urinary incontinence, you can find additional details here.
For questions or to book a consultation, please contact us:
01-5645926
info@refineclinic.ie