Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Antalya, Turkey
Leaking urine when coughing, laughing or with a sudden urge is common, yet many women hesitate to talk about it. I first identify the type and cause of the leakage, then we choose together between exercises, lifestyle changes, medication or surgery.
- 13 years of experience
- Private clinic in Muratpaşa, Antalya
- English · Deutsch · Türkçe · Русский
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What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can range from a few drops to the bladder emptying completely. This common condition in women can negatively affect daily life, social relationships, sexual life and sleep.
A common problem
Urinary incontinence can affect women of any age. It becomes more common with pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.
There are different types
Leakage with coughing or sneezing and leakage with a sudden urge have different causes and different treatments.
It can be addressed
Urinary incontinence is not something you simply have to live with. With the right diagnosis, various treatment options can help reduce symptoms.
What to know before your appointment
These are the practical tips I give my patients most often. I explain your personal instructions at the consultation.
Bladder diary
Noting how much you drink and when you leak for 2–3 days before your visit makes diagnosis much easier.
What to bring
Bring a list of your medications and details of your births and operations.
Don’t hold back
Incontinence is very common and often treatable. Describing your symptoms openly helps us choose the right treatment.
Exercise check
At the examination we check together whether you are using the right muscles for pelvic floor exercises.
Common types of incontinence
The most common types in women are stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence, where both occur together.
What are the types of urinary incontinence?
Identifying the type of incontinence is the basis of the treatment plan, because a treatment that works for one type may not be suitable for another.
Stress urinary incontinence
Urine leaks when pressure in the abdomen rises, such as when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercising. It is linked to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and the tissues supporting the urethra.
Urge urinary incontinence
A sudden, strong urge to urinate is followed by leakage before reaching the toilet. Frequent urination and waking at night to urinate may also occur; it is linked to overactive bladder.
Mixed incontinence
Stress and urge incontinence occur together. Treatment usually focuses first on whichever symptom is more bothersome.
Overflow and other types
Less common types include dribbling because the bladder does not empty fully, or being unable to reach the toilet because of limited mobility.
What causes urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence usually has more than one cause. Several factors affecting the pelvic floor muscles, the bladder and the urethra may be present together.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Increased pressure during pregnancy, and vaginal birth in particular, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues.
Menopause
As estrogen levels fall, the tissues of the vagina and urinary tract can become thinner and lose support.
Excess weight
Raises pressure in the abdomen, increasing the load on the pelvic floor and the risk of stress incontinence.
Chronic cough and constipation
Smoking-related coughing or long-term straining can put strain on the pelvic floor tissues over time.
Uterine and bladder prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse can occur together with incontinence or incomplete bladder emptying.
Other health conditions
Urinary tract infections, diabetes, neurological conditions and some medicines can also contribute to incontinence.
Important: Caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and drinking too much fluid can worsen urge symptoms in particular. Reviewing daily habits is part of the diagnosis and treatment process.
How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?
My aim in diagnosis is to identify the type and severity of incontinence and its possible causes. I can often do this with a detailed history, an examination and simple tests, and plan further tests when needed.
What you can prepare before your appointment
- The situations in which you leak urine
- How often you urinate during the day and at night
- The fluids and drinks you have during the day
- The medicines you take and any previous operations
- The number and type of births you have had
- Pad use and how the problem affects your daily life
See a doctor without delay if you have
- Blood in your urine
- Incontinence with fever and burning
- Being unable to pass urine, or a feeling that the bladder does not empty
- Sudden incontinence with numbness or weakness in the legs
- A bulge or lump you can feel in the vagina
- Severe pain in the pelvis or abdomen
Bladder diary
Recording fluid intake, how often you urinate and when leaks happen for a few days helps identify the type of incontinence.
Examination and simple tests
A pelvic examination, a cough stress test, a urine test and an ultrasound measurement of urine left in the bladder may be included.
Urodynamic testing
This test measures how the bladder fills and empties. It is not needed for everyone, but may be requested in complex cases or before surgery.
How does urinary incontinence treatment work in Antalya?
I always start with the least invasive methods and move step by step only if needed.
Assessment
I identify the type of incontinence from your symptoms, a bladder diary, an examination and any necessary tests.
First line
We plan pelvic floor exercises, bladder training and lifestyle changes that suit you.
Medication & support
When needed, I add medication suited to the type of incontinence or supportive methods.
Surgical options
If you have not improved enough and are suitable, we look at surgical options together.
Months of regular exercise
For stress and mixed incontinence, at least 3 months of regular, correctly performed pelvic floor muscle exercises are usually recommended before surgical options are considered.
Pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes
Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) aim to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra. To be effective, the right muscles must be used and the programme must be followed consistently.
For urge symptoms, bladder training comes first. The intervals between trips to the toilet are gradually lengthened in a planned way so that the bladder can hold more urine.
- If you are overweight, losing weight can reduce symptoms.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks.
- Spread your fluid intake evenly through the day without overdoing it.
- Eat a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation.
- If you smoke, get support to quit.
- Make a habit of tightening your pelvic floor muscles when lifting.
Correct technique matters: A common mistake is squeezing the abdominal, buttock or thigh muscles instead of the pelvic floor. Learning the exercises with me during an examination, or with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, is important for the treatment to work.
Medication and supportive methods
When first-line methods do not help enough, additional treatment options may be considered depending on the type of incontinence. The suitable method is chosen after considering the type of symptoms, other health conditions and personal preferences.
Overactive bladder medicines
For urge incontinence, medicines that reduce involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle may be used. The choice depends on age, other conditions and possible side effects.
Vaginal estrogen
After menopause, if symptoms are related to thinning of the vaginal and urinary tract tissues, local estrogen treatment may be recommended if your doctor considers it suitable.
Pessaries and vaginal support devices
Support devices placed in the vagina may be an option for some people, especially those who do not want or are not suitable for surgery.
Advanced options
For overactive bladder that does not respond to other treatments, botulinum toxin injections into the bladder or nerve stimulation may be considered.
About vaginal laser: The scientific evidence on the long-term effectiveness and safety of vaginal laser and radiofrequency treatments for urinary incontinence is still limited. These treatments do not replace standard treatments, and we discuss in detail whether it suits you.
Urinary incontinence surgery
Surgery is mainly considered for stress urinary incontinence in people who have not improved enough with non-surgical methods. The decision is based on examination findings, any tests needed, future pregnancy plans and personal risks.
Assessed before surgery
- Confirmation that the incontinence is of the stress type
- Response to non-surgical treatments
- Any accompanying uterine or bladder prolapse
- Whether the bladder empties completely
- Whether there are plans for future pregnancy
- General health and anesthesia assessment
After surgery, watch out for
- Being unable to pass urine, or a very weak stream
- Fever, burning when passing urine or cloudy urine
- Vaginal bleeding heavier than I described
- Severe pain in the groin or thigh
- A marked change in vaginal discharge or a bad smell
- Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the recommended period
Mid-urethral sling (TOT / TVT)
A thin tape is placed under the middle part of the urethra to provide support. It is one of the most commonly used methods for stress incontinence.
Colposuspension
A surgical method in which the tissues around the urethra and bladder neck are lifted with stitches placed through the abdomen.
Bulking injections
A bulking agent is injected around the urethra to improve closure. It is less invasive, but its effect may fade over time and repeat treatment may be needed.
An individual decision: Each surgical method has its own benefits and risks. Before surgery I discuss the choice of method, possible complications and alternative treatments with you in detail, and then ask for your informed consent.
Travelling for treatment? If you are coming to Antalya for surgery, plan your stay so that the early follow-up visit can take place before you return home. Discuss the timing of your flight with me during the pre-operative consultation.
Myths and facts about urinary incontinence
Below are the misconceptions I hear most often in my consultations, and what the medical evidence actually says.
“Everyone leaks urine as they get older; nothing can be done.”
Incontinence becomes more common with age, but it is not inevitable. Depending on the type, exercises, lifestyle changes, medication or surgery may be considered.
“If I drink less water, I won’t leak.”
Restricting fluids too much can concentrate urine, irritate the bladder and cause constipation, which can make symptoms worse. Fluid intake should be balanced.
“All incontinence can be fixed with surgery.”
Surgery is mainly used for stress incontinence. Urge incontinence is usually managed with bladder training and medication.
“I’m sure I’m doing my Kegel exercises correctly.”
Working the pelvic floor muscles correctly is not as easy as it seems. Having your technique checked during an examination can make the exercises more effective.
English-speaking gynecologist in Antalya
Whether you live in Antalya or are here on holiday, you can see me at my clinic in Muratpaşa.
Appointments in English
I speak English, German, Russian and Turkish, so you can explain your symptoms in your own language.
Quick first contact
Send a short message via WhatsApp and we will arrange a suitable appointment time.
Central location
My clinic is in Fener, Muratpaşa, close to the Lara hotel area.
Clear next steps
After the examination I explain the findings and the next steps clearly, so you know exactly what happens next.
Related information pages
I cover related topics on the pages below.
Frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence treatment in Antalya
These are the questions my patients ask me most often. We clarify the answer for your own situation together after an examination and the necessary tests.
Is urinary incontinence a normal part of aging?
Urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, but it should not be accepted as an inevitable or “normal” part of aging. It can occur at any age, and in most cases it can be addressed with options such as exercises, lifestyle changes, medication or surgery.
Do Kegel exercises help with urinary incontinence?
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are one of the first-line treatment options, especially for stress and mixed incontinence. It is important to use the right muscles and exercise regularly, so learning the exercises with a doctor or pelvic floor physiotherapist at the start is recommended. At least 3 months of regular practice is usually needed to judge the effect.
When is surgery needed for urinary incontinence?
For stress incontinence, surgery may be considered when non-surgical methods such as exercises and lifestyle changes have not helped enough and the symptoms significantly affect quality of life. Urge incontinence is usually managed with behavioral and medical treatments rather than surgery.
What are TOT and TVT procedures?
TOT and TVT are mid-urethral sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence, in which a thin supporting tape is placed under the middle part of the urethra. The two methods differ in the route used to place the tape. The suitable method is chosen according to the examination findings and personal risks.
Does urinary incontinence after childbirth go away?
Incontinence in the first months after childbirth may decrease as the pelvic floor muscles recover. Correctly performed pelvic floor exercises after birth can support this process. If symptoms continue, I recommend coming in for an assessment.
How is urge incontinence treated?
First-line treatment for urge incontinence includes bladder training, adjusting fluid and drink intake and reducing bladder irritants such as caffeine. If this is not enough, medicines for overactive bladder may be used, and at a later stage botulinum toxin injections into the bladder or nerve stimulation may be considered.
Does vaginal laser treat urinary incontinence?
The scientific evidence on the long-term effectiveness and safety of vaginal laser and radiofrequency treatments for urinary incontinence is still limited. These treatments do not replace standard first-line treatments, and we discuss in detail whether it suits you.
Which specialist should I see for urinary incontinence?
Women with urinary incontinence can see an obstetrician and gynecologist. If needed after the assessment, further investigation and treatment can be planned together with urology or urogynecology.
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Graduated from Afyon Kocatepe University Faculty of Medicine and completed specialist training at Antalya Training and Research Hospital. 13 years of experience; speaks English, German, Russian and Turkish. Last updated: 29 September 2026.
Get in touch for a personal assessment
Whether the procedure suits you, which technique to use and when can only be decided together after an examination. Send me your questions on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book your appointment.
The content on this page is for general information only and does not replace a diagnosis, personal medical advice or a treatment plan. The type and cause of urinary incontinence and the suitable treatment can only be determined by a physician’s examination and the necessary tests.
This content has been prepared solely for general health information purposes, in accordance with the Turkish Regulation on Promotion and Information Activities in Health Services published in Official Gazette No. 33075 on 12 November 2025. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and no outcome is guaranteed. It contains no prices, campaigns, discounts, patient reviews or before-and-after images. In an emergency, please contact the nearest healthcare facility.
