Gli studi dimostrano che molto spesso i medici, non danno abbastanza importanza all’incontinenza urinaria, che è un problema frequente, comune, di cui bisogna parlare e per il quale esistono moltissime strategie terapeutiche e terapie, per cui teoricamente nessuno dovrebbe soffrire di incontinenza urinaria.

Studies show that urinary incontinence is often underestimated by physicians, despite being a frequent, common condition that deserves attention. It’s an issue people should feel free to talk about—especially considering that many therapeutic strategies and treatment options exist, meaning no one should have to live with it unnecessarily.

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Is urinary incontinence more common in women or men? And are there effective treatments?

We explore the topic with Professor Simone Albisinni, urologist specialized in robotic surgery and expert in functional disorders in both men and women at ArsbioMedica Clinic.

Urinary incontinence affects women more frequently, largely due to a major risk factor: childbirth, particularly vaginal delivery.
However, this condition is not exclusive to women—it also impacts many men. That’s why it is essential to speak with a urologist who specializes in incontinence, to properly assess the issue and define a treatment plan that is both effective and, in many cases, definitive.

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Do urologists also treat urinary incontinence in women?

Absolutely. Urologists treat both men and women, and many urinary conditions—such as kidney stones, infections, and incontinence—are shared across genders.

That’s why it is perfectly appropriate, and often highly beneficial, for a woman to consult a urologist when dealing with incontinence. This field lies in a “gray area” shared by different specialists—urologists, gynecologists, and others. What truly matters is not the title on the business card, but whether the specialist has the diagnostic and surgical expertise required to treat incontinence effectively and professionally.

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How is urinary incontinence treated at ArsbioMedica?

Our clinic is equipped with the full range of diagnostic tools and treatment options for managing incontinence.

The type of approach depends on the form of incontinence. For example, stress incontinence—leakage that occurs with physical exertion like coughing or laughing—is usually treated first with pelvic floor physical therapy.

It’s crucial that patients work with specialized pelvic floor therapists, like those available at ArsbioMedica, to effectively rebuild muscular support and control in this area.

When conservative treatments like physiotherapy are not enough, we offer minimally invasive outpatient procedures—not full surgeries—that support the urethra and sphincter. These typically involve placing a sling beneath the urethra, which acts as structural support to help the sphincter (the “valve” that controls continence) function properly and prevent leakage during effort.

Is urinary incontinence always related to pelvic organ prolapse?

In some women, incontinence may indeed be associated with pelvic organ prolapse. In these cases, a comprehensive assessment is necessary, including dynamic MRI scans, which we offer at ArsbioMedica.

Treatment may then involve not only urethral support but also surgical repositioning of the pelvic organs within the abdominal cavity. This is performed here using robotic-assisted surgery with the Da Vinci system, providing a highly precise and minimally invasive solution to restore anatomical alignment.

Is Botox used to treat urinary incontinence?

Yes, Botox injections are used in specific cases of urge incontinence—where the need to urinate is so sudden and intense that the bladder contracts involuntarily before the person can reach the bathroom.

In these cases, we perform an injection of Botox directly into the bladder muscle, much like it’s used for facial muscles. This helps relax the bladder significantly, reducing involuntary contractions and resolving urge incontinence in over 95% of cases.