Urinary incontinence: Breaking the silence and seeking treatment

After retiring from government service, Sunitha was active in friendship groups but slowly started to withdraw from it all. At first, her friends and family did not pay much attention to it, but when she did not even attend the wedding of her close relatives, the family started observing her behavioural change. There were no major problems in the family consisting of her husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Sunitha was financially secure and also received a good amount of money as a pension every month. Her daughter-in-law brought her to me for a check-up after Sunitha started showing reluctance to go on long journeys. Initially hesitant, Sunitha eventually confided in me, saying, “I’ve been experiencing urinary problems recently. I have had sudden urine leakage, which is why I have not participated in any public events lately. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if I suddenly leaked urine somewhere?” Sunitha’s face was filled with doubt and worry until I reassured her that this issue is a common abnormality in old age. Indeed, many people like Sunitha may be secretly suffering from urinary incontinence.

As we age, our bodies naturally change. Many people are concerned about body fatigue and changes in the digestive system that come with ageing. Minor changes in faeces and urine may not be noticeable initially, but by the time they are recognized, the condition may have worsened. People are often reluctant to discuss their ailments, but urinary incontinence is a medical condition that can be treated easily. This condition affects women more severely than men, as women may not always have immediate access to restroom facilities while men can relieve themselves almost anywhere. Urinary incontinence can be classified into three categories.

Stress incontinence
It is the situation when a person urinates small amounts when coughing, laughing, exercising vigorously, climbing stairs, or getting off the ground. This happens due to the weakness of the muscles around the urethra. Stress incontinence is more common in older women.
Urgency incontinence
This is a condition where one feels the urge to urinate but urinates involuntarily while on the way to the bathroom. As it is related to neurological diseases, proper treatment should be sought for it.
Mixed incontinence
Mixed incontinence is a combination of the symptoms of stress incontinence and urgency incontinence. Medications or exercise are often ineffective in cases of persons suffering from mixed incontinence. In such a situation, surgery becomes necessary. 

Can urinary incontinence be treated and cured?
Treatment for urinary incontinence is determined by one’s prevailing condition. If the condition is detected early, the disease can be cured by simple Kegel exercises that can be done at home. Women can do these exercises while sitting in a chair.
How to do the exercises
Step 1 – Sit comfortably in a chair and lean forward to press hold the urinary tract.
Step 2 – Contract the muscles around the anus inward. Hold the muscles for three seconds as if you were holding them to let out gas.
Step 3 – Restore the muscles to the normal position. Repeat ten times.
Step 4 – Hold the vagina in the same way as described earlier.
Step 5 – Restore the muscles to the normal position. Repeat ten times.

For mixed incontinence, surgery may be necessary. It’s a straightforward procedure where a tape-like material is used to strengthen the muscles around the urethra. This day-care surgery typically allows patients to come in the morning and return home the same day. Treatment methods vary based on individual conditions, so seeking prompt professional medical help is crucial. Delaying treatment can worsen the condition, which might otherwise be resolved in a single day. Why suffer when a one-day cure is available?

The surgery is simple and can be done as a day-care procedure. A tape-like material is placed around the urethra to strengthen the muscles. This procedure allows you to go home the same day. Urgency incontinence, related to neurological diseases, requires specialised treatment. Each type of urinary incontinence has its treatment approach. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, worsening the condition. Therefore, consult doctors and specialists for accurate diagnosis and treatment. As mentioned, this condition can be effectively treated in just one day. The fact is that we often hesitate to reveal our conditions and continue to endure them unnecessarily.

Starcare Hospital
NH Bypass, Near Thondayad Jn.
Kozhikode
Mobile: 8606945517
(The writer is senior consultant at Kozhikode Star Care Hospital)