Urinary incontinence is a condition in which one is unable to maintain bladder control. It could either be a case of minute dribbling, whereby people then try to rush to the loo to empty their bladder, or it could be remarked by complete loss of bladder control.
The former naturally is more serious, as the bladder completely then empties out, making the accident more apparent than the relatively subtle dribbling.
Urinary incontinence is more common in women who have had babies. It is also a common part of process of aging.
At times, people become ashamed or embarrassed about this lack of bladder control, and they then close themselves off. They keep to their quarters, not venturing outdoors, not even to visit their Urologist in Karachi.
Their condition is certainly exacerbated by the cases of wrong information, or myths about their condition. Not only can these myths cause metal turmoil, but also prevent patients from seeking appropriate medical aid and care.
Hence, it is vital that one be aware of what myths that are prevalent about urinary incontinence and set them apart from the facts.
Myths about urinary incontinence
Don’t drink water to avoid the accidents
Myth
It can become a reflex for people to avoid water and other liquids to prevent urine formation, and hence dodge the accidents. However, this approach is not good for your health, and ineffective as well; if you are not sufficiently hydrated, the urine formed will be concentrated, which will then irritate your bladder further and aggravate your condition.
Every case of incontinence is the same
Myth
Everyone has a different experience of incontinence. There are two broad categories of urinary incontinence; stress incontinence, which occurs when there is stress on the muscles of the bladder, like when laughing or coughing. This often causes minor leaks.
Then, there is urge incontinence, in which the urge to urinate becomes too much to bear, resulting in lack of control. The person then urinates suddenly. Often, this involves complete emptying of the bladder.
Get urinary incontinence is inevitable sign of aging
Myth
While yes, the chance of urinary incontinence increases greatly with age, that does not necessarily mean that one will definitely get the problem.
On the other hand, urinary incontinence can also strike people who are younger as well. Some risk factors for urinary incontinence include obesity, diabetes, smoking, prostate problems etc. Hence, age is just one aspect of it, there are other determinants as well.
The issue is permanent
Myth
In some cases, UI might be temporary, and remedying the causes helps in remedying this problem.
There is no health risk associated with urinary incontinence
Myth
In it of itself, there is no grave danger presented by urinary incontinence; it is not a harbinger of something terminal or fatal. However, one should also not downplay the problem.
Urinary incontinence takes a great toll on the mental health of the person and can also pave way for depression. People might retreat to their rooms, not interacting or socializing with others from the fear of losing bladder control in front of a person.
Moreover, they also then limit their activities, which also has a grave impact on their mental and physical health. Similarly, urinary incontinence can also make one get up and pee frequently, and too much motion can also put older people at the risk of sustaining an injury.
Going to the job with the problem is also a great challenge; one never knows when the accident strikes and changing at work can be very hard to do.
Hence, urinary incontinence can disrupt the normal functioning of life.
Medication is a must for treating urinary incontinence
Myth
Your urologist might recommend medication for urge incontinence, but these also need to be supplemented with lifestyle changes. Drinking only enough water, avoiding too much caffeine, taking timed urination breaks are some other ways patients can manage their symptoms better.
