World Continence Week 2024: Women more susceptible to suffer from incontinence, Says Dr. Saqib Mehdi

Srinagar : To commemorate world continence week, a condition which involves involuntary leakage of urine, the department of urology of SKIMS is observing a week-long awareness drive among the masses to raise awareness about it. Dr. Saqib Mehdi, Assistant Professor, Urology said, “As we observe the world incontinence week from 17 to 23 June 2024 it becomes even more imperative to raise awareness about it, as the problem is only getting bigger with reports of adult diaper market in the United States outgrowing the baby diaper market.”
A person may leak while sneezing and coughing, once he/she has an urge to urinate, or may suffer from a combination of symptoms. Enlarged prostate, neurological problems, weakness of pelvic muscles, diabetes and weight gain all have been associated with incontinence but a large number of patients present with no discernible cause. Dr. Saqib Mehdi elaborates, “The first step in management is to break the silence and talk to a urologist. A proper understanding of your condition and various management strategies suggested by him/her will to a great extent allay your anxieties besides achieving a reasonable solution for your problem. Simple measures like restricting your fluid intake bring about a significant improvement in your quality of life. Dietary measures like reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol, acidic and spicy food may help to improve your continence by decreasing bladder irritability. Pelvic floor muscle exercises and various medications may be prescribed depending on your symptoms. Surgical options are usually reserved for patients with specific conditions or those who are resistant to medication.” Also, practical measures like keeping pads in the locker at work, using odour preventers/ good perfume, using the toilet before the bladder is full can go a long way to improve your self-esteem and mental wellbeing, Dr. Mehdi said. Though it is imperative to discuss at length about causes and treatment of incontinence, what remains vital for the general public is awareness about the problem and the courage to come out of the veil of embarrassment. This becomes even more important for women who profoundly outnumber their male counterparts when it comes to suffering from incontinence, and suffering in silence.