Chennai
Themed ‘No laughing matter’, this year’s World Continence Week hopes to tackle the common response by people to laugh off incontinence, and instead, help them understand that an Overactive Bladder (OAB) problem could be solved with proper diagnosis. According to a survey that was conducted by Guna Associates in Urogynaecology and Research for Incontinence (GAURI) in the city recently, it was found that the prevalence of the condition is over 40 per cent.
Stating that it is highly common among women above the age of 40, Dr Nivedita, Senior Consultant, SIMS Hospital, said, “One in six people over the age of 40 are usually found to be suffering from OAB and it increases with age. It usually arises due to weakness of the pelvic floor muscle, which is seen post-delivery. Sometimes, some spinal cord lesions can also lead to such problems. We evaluate the causes and treat the patient accordingly.”
While it is also seen among men, doctors say more female patients visiting them with such problems. “Often, patients, especially men, tend to avoid consulting a doctor as they feel embarrassed. Understanding that it is a condition that can and should be treated is essential,” said Dr Rajashree, a Gynaecologist.
Lifestyle Matters
While medicines are administered to patients with this condition, doctors also suggest lifestyle changes. “We advise all patients to modify their lifestyle habits depending on the severity of their condition. We also prescribe certain exercises based on requirement. Other than that, we start them on medication. Not all hospitals have such facilities but specialised hospitals do. Personally, I think there should be a specially trained physician in all hospitals,” added Dr Nivedita.
Not only is awareness found to be lacking among the general public, but it is also found to be the case with doctors as well. “Some doctors do not know the exact symptoms. Also, it is seen that they tend to prescribe medicines, merely based on whatever the patient says, without looking into the history. Such factors should be checked,” said a Urologist.
While the study conducted by GAURI showed that close to 40 per cent knew that help was available, it was found that only one in four actually consulted a doctor. “One of the main reasons why people refrain from meeting a doctor is due to the lack of knowledge on which doctor to consult. Embarrassment is another factor that stops many of the patients,” said Dr Shanthi R., a urogynaecologist.
Awareness on the availability of incontinence diapers is also pretty low. “I have come across many patients who tend to render the use of sanitary napkins, to avoid wetting their clothes,” added Dr Shanthi.
“Urinary incontinence is a socially distressing problem with a high degree of bother, and though it severely impacts the quality of life in women, it is not discussed. Research from the West implied that it takes women at least five years to seek help. The problem with suffering the disorder in silence is having to compromise on the quality of life,” added Dr Rajashree.
Holding Problem :
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine
It occurs if the control over the urinary sphincter is either lost or weakened.
It may be a temporary problem caused by a vaginal or urinary tract infection (UTI), constipation, certain medications, or it can be a chronic condition.
The most common causes of chronic incontinence include overactive bladder muscles or weakened pelvic floor muscles It is a far more common problem than most people realise.
It is estimated that one in six people over the age of 40 suffer from an overactive bladder (OAB) and the incidence increases with age.
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