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Urinary Incontinence in Rotherham
Urinary incontinence is a distressing yet highly treatable condition that affects one in three women in the UK. At Kinvara Hospital, we provide expert assessment and a full range of medical and surgical treatments to restore bladder control and confidence.
Medically Reviewed By
Mr Vasu Karri, Medical Director • Updated Updated 19-01-2026
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, and it is far more common than many women realize. Whether it's a small leak when you cough, laugh, or exercise (Stress Incontinence), or a sudden, overwhelming urge that you can't hold (Urge Incontinence), this condition can profoundly affect your quality of life. At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our consultant gynaecologists serving Rotherham specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of urinary incontinence.
Many women suffer in silence, believing incontinence is simply 'part of getting older' or a permanent consequence of childbirth. The reality is that incontinence is a medical condition with proven treatments. From conservative options like pelvic floor physiotherapy and bladder retraining to advanced surgical procedures such as TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape) and colposuspension, we tailor our approach to your specific type and severity of incontinence. Our goal is to give you back control.
How is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?
Our diagnostic pathway includes:
• Bladder Diary: Tracking your fluid intake, urination frequency, and leakage episodes over 3-7 days.
• Pelvic Examination: To check for pelvic organ prolapse, muscle weakness, or other anatomical issues.
• Urinalysis: Testing your urine for signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities.
• Post-Void Residual (PVR) Scan: Ultrasound to see if the bladder is emptying completely.
• Urodynamic Studies: Measuring bladder pressure, capacity, and muscle activity to determine the exact cause of incontinence.
• Cystoscopy (if needed): A small camera is used to inspect the inside of the bladder for abnormalities.
Once we have a clear diagnosis, we will discuss all available treatment options with you, from conservative management to surgical intervention.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra are weakened or damaged. In Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), the issue is typically a weakened pelvic floor or damaged sphincter muscle that cannot hold back urine when pressure increases in the abdomen. This is often caused by childbirth, menopause, or chronic coughing.
Urge incontinence, also known as Overactive Bladder (OAB), is caused by involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle in the bladder wall. This can result from neurological conditions, bladder irritation, or hormonal changes. Mixed incontinence combines both mechanisms. At Kinvara Hospital, we use advanced urodynamic testing to precisely identify which type you have, allowing us to select the most effective treatment pathway.
At a Glance
Procedure Time
30-60 minutes (for surgical treatments like TVT)
Hospital Stay
Day case or 1 night
Anaesthetic
General or spinal anaesthetic
Recovery Time
2-4 weeks
Success Rate
80-90% improvement for surgical options
Benefits of Urinary Incontinence Treatment at Kinvara Private Hospital
- Restored bladder control and confidence in daily activities
- Elimination or significant reduction in urine leakage
- Improved quality of life and social participation
- Ability to exercise, laugh, and cough without fear of leakage
- Reduced reliance on protective pads and absorbent products
- Better sleep quality (reduced nocturia and urgency)
- Minimally invasive surgical options with rapid recovery
- Expert diagnosis to ensure correct treatment is chosen
The Procedure
Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. At Kinvara Hospital, we follow a stepped approach, starting with the least invasive options and progressing to surgery if needed.
- 1
**Initial Consultation:** A detailed medical history and physical examination, including a pelvic floor assessment. You may be asked to complete a bladder diary to track your symptoms.
- 2
**Urodynamic Testing:** Specialized tests to measure bladder pressure, capacity, and muscle function. This helps us identify whether the issue is stress, urge, or mixed incontinence.
- 3
**Conservative Treatment:** For mild to moderate cases, we start with pelvic floor physiotherapy (Kegel exercises), bladder retraining, and lifestyle modifications. Medication may be used for urge incontinence.
- 4
**Surgical Options:** If conservative measures fail, we offer procedures like TVT (Tension-free Vaginal Tape), which supports the urethra, or colposuspension, which lifts the bladder neck. These procedures have high success rates and minimal downtime.
- 5
**Follow-Up Care:** Post-operative appointments to monitor healing and ensure the treatment has been effective. We provide long-term support and advice to maintain bladder health.
Recovery After Urinary Incontinence Surgery
Recovery Timeline
First 24 Hours
You may have a catheter for the first day. Some discomfort and mild bleeding are normal. Pain relief is provided.
Week 1
Rest is essential. Avoid heavy lifting, straining, or vigorous exercise. You can perform light daily activities.
Weeks 2-4
Gradual return to normal activities. Most women can return to work after 2 weeks. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a kettle.
6 Weeks+
Full recovery. You can resume exercise, sexual intercourse, and all normal activities. A follow-up appointment will confirm the success of the procedure.
Key Recovery Points
- Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks post-surgery
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent urinary tract infections
- Follow pelvic floor exercises as instructed by your physiotherapist
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress
- Contact the hospital if you experience severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding
Risks and Complications
While urinary incontinence surgery is generally very safe, all surgical procedures carry some risks. Our expert surgeons take every precaution to minimize complications.
Urinary Retention
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely after surgery, which may require temporary catheterization.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Infection can occur after surgery, especially if a catheter is used. This is treated with antibiotics.
Mesh Erosion (rare)
In a small number of cases, the surgical tape or mesh may erode into the vaginal wall, requiring further treatment.
Recurrence
In approximately 10-20% of cases, incontinence symptoms may return over time, requiring further treatment.
Bleeding or Infection
As with any surgery, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
Voiding Dysfunction
Some women may experience difficulty urinating after surgery, which usually resolves within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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