What You Need To Know About Urinary Incontinence in Singapore: Causes, Types, and Physiotherapy Treatment Guide
- PhysioMatters
- Aug 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
Urinary incontinence (UI), commonly referred to as the unintentional leakage of urine, affects millions worldwide, including a significant number of individuals in Singapore. The prevalence in Singapore is estimated to be 1 in 2 women over 40 years old, according to the Society for Continence Singapore.
It also affects men, particularly those with prostate issues or after prostate surgery. These statistics are often underreported due to stigma. UI is not an inevitable part of aging, nor something to be endured in silence. With the right diagnosis and treatment, including physiotherapy, many people can significantly improve and fully resolve.
This article will touch on the causes, types, and scientifically backed physiotherapy treatments for urinary incontinence (UI), specifically tailored for those living in Singapore.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is defined by the International Continence Society as the "complaint of any involuntary leakage of urine." It is a symptom, not a disease, and can arise from various underlying conditions.
How Common is Urinary Incontinence in Singapore?
Among female outpatients in Singapore, the prevalence of urinary incontinence is approximately 41.7% based on a study involving 230 women. Despite this, only 41% had sought medical help, pointing to underreporting due to stigma.
In a community-based study of elderly Singaporeans (aged 65+), the prevalence of UI was 4.6%, with equal distribution between males and females.
Summary Table: Prevalence of UI in Singapore
Population Group | Prevalence of UI | Source |
Female outpatients (clinic-based) | ~41.7% | PubMed |
Community-dwelling elderly (65+) | ~4.6% (M = F) | PubMed |
Why Treating Urinary Incontinence Matters in Singapore?
The Singaporean population is rapidly aging, with more than 1 in 4 people projected to be aged 65 and above by 2030. As age is a significant risk factor, UI is becoming a growing health concern.
Yet, many sufferers do not seek help due to embarrassment. According to a 2016 study published in the Singapore Medical Journal, only 31% of women with urinary leakage consulted a healthcare provider.
Physiotherapy: A First-Line, Non-Invasive Treatment
What Science Says:
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the International Continence Society recommend pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) as a first-line treatment for stress and mixed incontinence.
How It Works:
Physiotherapists trained in pelvic health use targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve coordination, and reduce symptoms of incontinence. In Singapore, these specialists often work in hospitals, women’s health clinics, or private practices.
At PhysioMatters we are a team of 3 experienced, qualified and post graduate trained Women’s and Men's Health Physiotherapists who are specialists in this area of treatment!
What Are The Types Of Urinary Incontinence?
Understanding the type of incontinence is essential for effective treatment:
1. Stress Incontinence
Occurs when physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects cause leakage.
2. Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)
Characterised by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often with little time to get to the toilet.
3. Overflow Incontinence
The bladder doesn’t empty properly, leading to dribbling. Often experienced by men with enlarged prostates or neurological conditions.
4. Functional Incontinence
Occurs when a person is unable to reach the toilet in time due to physical or cognitive impairments.
5. Mixed Incontinence
A combination of any or all of the above forms of incontinence experienced at any age or stage of life male or female.
What Are The Common Causes Of Urinary Incontinence?
1. Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) shows a high success rate in treating stress and mixed incontinence.
2. Overactive Or Chronically Tight Pelvic Floor Muscles
Hypertonic muscles (tight) can reduce bladder control. Manual therapy and physiotherapy treatments can normalise tension in the pelvic floor muscles.
3. Hormonal Changes
Oestrogen decline during menopause impacts bladder support. Similarly hormonal changes during teenage years, during pregnancy or in the post-partum period may affect your pelvic floor muscles and bladder function
4. Nerve Changes
Neurological damage can affect bladder signalling.
5. Bladder Habits
Poor habits like power peeing (forcing out a fast and quick wee) or peeing “just in case” can worsen control.
6. Poorly Managed Abdominal Pressure
Coughing, lifting, or straining may affect your pelvic floor muscles.
7. Constipation
Straining increases bladder pressure and therefore increases the risk of UI.
8. Post Surgical Complications
Prostate (Males), Hysterectomy / Gynaecological surgeries (females)
Is Urinary Incontinence Normal?
It’s common, especially after childbirth, during menopause, post-surgery and with aging however it is not normal. Early treatment is crucial.
How Do You Know If You Have Urinary Incontinence?
Typical symptoms include:
Damp or soaked underwear
Leakage during sneezing/laughing/ jumping activities or with sports
Sudden urges to urinate but can’t control the urge and leakages occurs
Frequent night urination >2 a night
Is It Necessary To Treat Urinary Incontinence?
Yes it affects quality of life, relationships, and health.
Will Incontinence Go Away On Its Own?
Not likely. Structured pelvic floor training is essential to alleviate incontinence issues.
How to Choose a Clinical Physiotherapist for Urinary Incontinence?
Look for someone who is:
Certified Women’s and Men’s Health Physiotherapists – PhysioMatters
Experienced with bladder re-training and PFMT
Open to working as part of an Allied Health Team
How Can Urinary Incontinence Be Diagnosed and Treated by a Physiotherapist?
We are often the first to assess and diagnose pelvic floor related dysfunctions. Physiotherapy may include:
1. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (Kegel Exercises)
A study published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2018) showed that PFMT increases the likelihood of a cure compared to no treatment (odds ratio of 8.38).
2. Biofeedback
Biofeedback devices help patients learn to correctly activate pelvic floor muscles. This is especially useful for those who are unsure of the right technique.
3. Electrical Stimulation
Mild electrical impulses can stimulate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. It's particularly helpful for patients who have difficulty voluntarily contracting their muscles.
4. Bladder Retraining
Hypopressive Breathing used for urge incontinence, this involves scheduled voiding and strategies to gradually increase bladder capacity.
5. Lifestyle & Dietary Advice
Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and managing fluid intake can make a significant difference. Weight loss is also highly effective—every 5-unit increase in BMI increases the risk of UI by about 20–70%, depending on the type.
Why Try Non-Surgical Methods First?
They're low-risk, cost-effective, and successful in resolving your symptoms.
How Long Is Treatment Needed?
Initial results: may often be 4–6 weeks
Significant changes: within 1-5 sessions and or over a 3–6-month period
Maintenance: Ongoing self-care
Conclusion
Urinary incontinence is treatable, and physiotherapy should be your first-line approach. Backed by evidence and real world success, targeted therapy can restore control, confidence, and quality of life.
How To Get Help in Singapore?
If you're experiencing urinary leakage, you're not alone, and help is available:
Visit your GP or urologist for assessment.
Seek out OUR trained PhysioMatters Team specialising in pelvic health and continence therapy.
Explore support groups like the Society for Continence Singapore (SFCS), which provides educational resources and referrals.
Urinary incontinence is more common than you think and in many cases, it is treatable. Whether caused by aging, childbirth, surgery, or other medical conditions, early intervention through physiotherapy and lifestyle changes can drastically improve quality of life.
Don’t let embarrassment hold you back. If you’re in Singapore and struggling with urinary incontinence, reach out to us for an assessment and a personalised treatment plan.
Cheers
Contact Information
Email: hello@physiomatters.com.sg
Phone: +65 9352 9067
Address: 360 Orchard Road #10-07 International Building, 238869
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