Urinary incontinence – the involuntary leakage of urine – is extremely common in women. But despite it being more prevalent than many other conditions that we hear about regularly, we don’t really talk about it.
The 17 – 23 June marks World Incontinence Week and Dr. Zaki Almallah, a Urologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi wants people to start talking. “Urinary Incontinence is a condition that we rarely discuss in public,” he said. “It is seen as an embarrassing condition, but by talking about it, we can help raise awareness and encourage people to get the right treatment.”
The condition affects a large number of women in the UAE, with around 42.2% of the female adult population experiencing it at some point in their lives. It is caused by weakness or damage to the muscles that we use to prevent ourselves from urinating, or because of overactivity of the muscles which control the bladder.
There are two main types of incontinence; stress incontinence, experienced when we cough, laugh or sneeze; or overactive incontinence, when we feel the need to urinate frequently and without control. Some women may even experience both. A prolapse can also affect the function of the bladder, and having children, weight gain and constipation can all contribute to incontinence.
Living with urinary incontinence can have a big impact on quality of life. “I speak to many women who are too afraid to go out.” Dr. Almallah adds, “They don’t want to risk leakage in public and are too embarrassed to talk to anyone about it – even their doctor.”
He points out that many women see incontinence as a normal part of aging and they just live with it. “This is not true,” says Dr. Almallah. “Any form of urinary leakage is not normal and should be discussed with your doctor. Many misconceptions like this exist around incontinence which is why it is so important that we talk about it. Women shouldn’t suffer in silence. There are many effective treatment options out there and the earlier you are treated, the quicker you can return to a normal life.” He adds, “Always talk to your doctor if you suddenly leak urine, experience any additional urinary symptoms or you need to frequently use the bathroom.”
The good news is that there are many treatments available to successfully treat urinary incontinence. If your doctor confirms a weak pelvic floor, there are simple exercises you can do to strengthen this muscle and relax an overactive bladder. Simple lifestyle changes can also help, such as cutting out caffeine, regulating the amount of liquid you drink and maintaining a healthy weight. There are many medications that can be helpful, and even Botox can be used to suppress incontinence.
If non-surgical treatments aren’t successful, then there are small procedures that are effective. Dr. Almallah adds, “Our understanding of the bladder and incontinence has evolved a lot in recent years and a number of minimally invasive procedures are available which can dramatically improve symptoms.
The latest innovative procedure, called Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) can reduce or even eliminate symptoms in many people.” He adds, “SNM can offer substantial improvements or even end incontinence. A small device is inserted near the sacral nerve which improves the way that signals are sent between the brain and the muscles that control the urge to go to the bathroom.”
Urinary incontinence may be common, but it isn’t normal. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about it. The sooner you talk to your doctor, the sooner you can get the right treatment and get back to living life without worry.
Effective Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence are Available.
Urinary incontinence may be a common condition, but you don’t have to put up with it. Take control of your bladder and talk to the Female Urology Program team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Led by an experienced female urologist, the program offers routine and complex care options for the treatment of a range of female urological concerns.