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Incontinence & Prolapse

Bladder and pelvic floor issues are incredibly common, yet often under-discussed.

Olika is a Canberra-based women’s health clinic providing compassionate, discreet, and evidence-based care for women experiencing incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

The doctors are experienced in women’s health, and work closely with each patient to understand their symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and create a personalised treatment plan that restores comfort, function, and confidence.

Understanding Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can range from occasional leaks during exercise or coughing to more persistent issues that significantly affect daily life. Incontinence affects up to 37% of Australian women, with rates increasing after childbirth and menopause.
  • Stress incontinence: Leakage during physical activity, sneezing, coughing, or laughing due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
  • Urge incontinence (overactive bladder): Sudden, intense urge to urinate with little warning.
  • Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
  • Overflow incontinence: Inability to fully empty the bladder, causing dribbling.

Several factors can contribute to the development of incontinence:

  • Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
  • Ageing and menopause
  • Pelvic surgery (e.g., hysterectomy)
  • Chronic constipation
  • Obesity
  • Family history of bladder issues
  • Neurological conditions
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues weaken, allowing one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, bowel) to bulge into the vagina. It affects up to 50% of women who have given birth, although not all experience symptoms.

Types of Prolapse

  • Cystocele: Bladder prolapse into the front vaginal wall
  • Rectocele: Bowel prolapse into the back vaginal wall
  • Uterine prolapse: Descent of the uterus into the vagina
  • Enterocele: Small bowel prolapse
  • Vaginal vault prolapse: Post-hysterectomy vaginal top descent

While symptoms vary depending on the severity and type of condition, common signs include:

  • Leakage of urine with activity or urgency
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • A sensation of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
  • A bulging or dragging feeling in the vagina
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
  • Pain or discomfort during intercourse
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

These symptoms can affect physical comfort, emotional wellbeing, and social confidence – but help is available.

At Olika, your consultation will include:

  • Comprehensive symptom review
  • Medical and surgical history
  • Referral to an in-house pelvic floor physiotherapist
  • Bladder diary or symptom questionnaires
  • Urinalysis or bladder scan, if appropriate

For more complex cases, we may refer for imaging such as pelvic ultrasound or urodynamic studies.

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, stage of life, and personal goals. Options include:
  • Pelvic floor physiotherapy: First-line treatment for incontinence and mild prolapse. Strengthening the pelvic muscles improves control and support.
  • Bladder retraining: Techniques to manage urgency and frequency.
  • Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, fluid management, and addressing chronic coughing or constipation.
  • Vaginal oestrogen: Especially effective post-menopause to improve tissue tone.
  • Pessaries: A silicone device inserted into the vagina to support prolapsed organs. Useful for women who wish to avoid or delay surgery.
  • Mid-urethral sling procedures: For stress incontinence.
  • Prolapse repair surgery: To restore normal anatomy using sutures or mesh (in select cases).

Surgery is generally recommended for significant prolapse or incontinence that hasn’t improved with conservative measures. We will refer you to specialist gynaecologist for surgical management.

Bladder and pelvic issues can be emotionally distressing. Many women feel embarrassed or avoid seeking help. Olika provides a respectful and understanding space, and can refer to psychologists or support services as needed.

The Emsella chair is a breakthrough, non-invasive, evidence-based technology designed to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve a range of pelvic health concerns.

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Prevention and Self-Care

While not all causes are preventable, certain habits can reduce your risk:

  • Perform regular pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid heavy lifting or straining
  • Treat constipation early
  • Stay active and support overall muscle tone

We provide education and resources to help you protect and strengthen your pelvic floor at every stage of life.

Book a Consultation

f you’re experiencing symptoms of incontinence or prolapse, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Olika in Canberra today to book a confidential consultation.

With the right support and treatment, these conditions can be effectively managed – allowing you to regain confidence and improve your quality of life.

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