Women often dismiss involuntary urine leakage or attribute it solely to periods of high stress, unaware that they are experiencing urinary incontinence.

What are the underlying causes of female urinary incontinence? And how can you identify them to seek timely evaluation from a urologist?

We discussed this topic with Professor Manlio Cappa, Specialist in Urology at Ars Medica Clinic.

Does Urinary Incontinence Affect Both Men and Women?

Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine, and it is important to distinguish between how it manifests in women compared to men. In women, the most common form is stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

What does this mean? It means that physical exertion—such as coughing, laughing, or running—triggers an involuntary loss of urine.

Stress Urinary Incontinence: How Is It Treated?

Numerous clinical studies have shown that patients with stress incontinence wait an average of two years before consulting a physician, as the condition is frequently accompanied by emotional distress and depression.

Raising awareness is crucial: this type of incontinence in women can be easily resolved. The procedure is performed vaginally on a Day Hospital basis using a minimally invasive suburethral sling (mesh tape). This restores the urethra to its correct anatomical position, offering complete recovery.

Prolapse-Associated Incontinence: What Is It and How Is It Managed?

Another condition frequently associated with female incontinence is pelvic organ prolapse—involving the urethra, vagina, or bowel. This requires targeted surgical management.

Unlike traditional methods, modern laparoscopic surgery utilizes specialized mesh implants that yield significantly higher success rates—approaching 98%.

By contrast, older vaginal surgical techniques demonstrated a 10-year follow-up success rate of around 60%. This represents a monumental advancement in the treatment of this condition.

Can Urinary Incontinence Also Affect Men?

Yes. In men, incontinence typically occurs following prostate surgery and is also classified as stress incontinence. Male patients can similarly benefit from a specialized sling procedure to achieve full recovery.

In cases where the natural urinary sphincter is compromised or no longer functional, an artificial urinary sphincter can be implanted.

All of these advanced surgical techniques are routinely performed at Ars Medica Clinic in Rome.