Regain Confidence with Expert Urology Care for Foreigners

Urinary incontinence (요실금 – yoshilgeum)—the unintentional leakage of urine—can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. It affects people of all ages and genders, though it's more common in older adults and women post-childbirth. If you're a foreigner living in or visiting Korea and experiencing symptoms of incontinence, specialized clinics like Gangnam J Urology Clinic offer discreet, professional, and effective treatment using Korea’s advanced medical infrastructure.

What Is Urinary Incontinence and What Causes It?

Urinary incontinence is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying issue involving the bladder, pelvic muscles, or nerves. There are several types:

• Stress Incontinence: Leakage with activities that increase abdominal pressure—such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. Common in women after childbirth or menopause.
• Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder): A sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
• Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge symptoms.
• Overflow Incontinence: Leakage due to an overfilled bladder that can’t empty completely, often associated with prostate problems in men.
• Functional Incontinence: Difficulty reaching the bathroom in time due to mobility or cognitive issues.

Common Causes Include:

• Weakened pelvic floor muscles (after childbirth or surgery)
• Enlarged prostate (BPH)
• Overactive bladder
• Neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s, stroke, spinal cord injury)
• Urinary tract infections
• Aging and hormonal changes

Incontinence Diagnosis in Korea: Discreet and Data-Driven

At Gangnam J Urology Clinic, diagnosis is handled with sensitivity and precision. Most evaluations are done in a single visit and tailored to your symptoms.

1. Private Consultation:
   Your doctor will discuss the frequency, severity, and triggers of leakage. You may be asked to complete a bladder diary to track urination habits.
2. Urinalysis (소변 검사):
   Checks for infection, blood, or signs of bladder irritation.
3. Bladder Ultrasound or Post-Void Residual Test:
   Measures bladder capacity and checks for incomplete emptying.
4. Uroflowmetry:
   Assesses urine stream and flow rate—useful in both men and women.
5. Urodynamic Testing (if needed):
   More advanced testing to evaluate bladder pressure, muscle function, and coordination.
6. Pelvic Exam (for women) or Prostate Exam (for men):
   To assess for structural or gland-related causes.

Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence in Korea

Korean urology clinics provide a wide range of treatment options—from conservative therapy to minimally invasive procedures. Treatment is customized to your type of incontinence and lifestyle needs.

1. Lifestyle and Behavioral Therapy:

• Bladder Training: Scheduled voiding to increase bladder capacity.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels): Strengthening exercises, sometimes guided by biofeedback.
• Fluid and Diet Modification: Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and late-night fluids.

2. Medications:

• Anticholinergics or Beta-3 Agonists: Reduce bladder spasms in urge incontinence.
• Alpha-blockers or 5-ARIs: Used in men with prostate-related overflow symptoms.
• Topical Estrogen: For post-menopausal women with stress incontinence.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• Botox Injections (in the bladder): For overactive bladder not responding to medication.
• Bulking Agents: Injections around the urethra to help it close more tightly (for women).
• Urethral Sling Surgery: Common for stress incontinence in women; supports the urethra.
• Prostate Surgery: For men with significant obstruction due to BPH.

Why Choose a Clinic Like Gangnam J for Incontinence Care?

• Specialized Expertise: Urologists are experienced in both male and female incontinence causes and treatments.
• Same-Day Testing: Clinics provide efficient workups with in-house testing and diagnosis.
• Discreet Environment: Private consultations and testing ensure maximum comfort and confidentiality.
• Foreign-Friendly Staff: English-speaking medical personnel or coordinators are often available in Gangnam clinics.
• Follow-Up Care: Long-term management options, including physical therapy or medication adjustment, are easily arranged.

Estimated Cost of Incontinence Evaluation and Treatment in Korea

With NHIS Coverage:

• Consultation: ₩5,000 – ₩20,000
• Urinalysis: ₩3,000 – ₩7,000
• Uroflowmetry: ₩10,000 – ₩25,000
• Pelvic Ultrasound: ₩15,000 – ₩40,000
• Medications (monthly): ₩5,000 – ₩20,000
• Minor procedures: ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 (co-pay)
  Total (with NHIS): ₩30,000 – ₩400,000 depending on treatment plan

Without NHIS (Out-of-Pocket):

• Consultation: ₩50,000 – ₩100,000
• Urinalysis: ₩10,000 – ₩20,000
• Ultrasound/Uroflowmetry: ₩50,000 – ₩100,000
• Urodynamic Testing: ₩100,000 – ₩200,000
• Medications: ₩10,000 – ₩30,000
• Injections or Sling Procedure: ₩1,000,000 – ₩3,000,000
  Total (without NHIS): ₩150,000 – ₩3,000,000+, depending on complexity

When to See a Doctor for Incontinence

You should seek care if you experience:

• Daily or frequent leakage
• Nighttime urination that disrupts sleep
• Sudden urges that are hard to control
• Difficulty starting urination or weak stream (in men)
• Incontinence that affects your lifestyle, work, or confidence



Urinary incontinence is common—but not something you have to live with. Clinics like Gangnam J Urology Clinic in Korea offer compassionate, specialized care that helps you regain control and improve quality of life. With modern diagnostics, customized treatments, and English-friendly services, you’ll find the support you need to move forward with confidence and comfort.