The urinary incontinenceor involuntary urine loss, affects one in three women in Europe and more than 350 million worldwide, according to data from the data of the Clinic Barcelona Hospital. Despite its high prevalence, the wrong belief that is an inevitable consequence of aging.
The fear of suffering losses leads many women to restrict their social life to avoid public exposure of the problem. However, Dr. Montserrat Espuña, a gynecologist at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona, emphasizes that “although many women live their incontinence in silence because they are ashamed or believe that it is part of the age, most cases can be treated, cured or at least improve significantly.”
“The message for a woman who has involuntary urine escapes is to consult the doctor to know what kind of incontinence her problem belongs and obtain proper treatment, but does not solve the problem by buying a compress,” warns Dr. Espuña. In addition, it emphasizes that this disorder is not irreversible and can be treated.
Identifying your manifestations is key to detecting possible problems. Incontinence can occur at different times: when laughing, coughing or sneezing; when exercising or lifting weight; or as a sudden urgency that prevents arriving in time to the bathroom. In some cases, several of these episodes are combined. The causes can be genetic, be related to hormonal changes or derive from surgeries. They may also be due to pelvic soil muscles caused by pregnancies, births or impact sports.
The message for a woman who has involuntary urine escapes is to consult the doctor to know what kind of incontinence her problem belongs and obtain proper treatment, but who does not solve the problem by buying a compress.
To establish a diagnosis, in addition to evaluating the symptoms, the medical history is reviewed, a physical examination is performed and tests such as ultrasound or cystoscopies can be carried out. Prepare a urination newspaper, in which the frequency of visits to the bathroom, fluid intake and the moment in which losses occur, also helps to determine the cause of the problem is recorded. In reference centers such as Clinic Barcelona, pelvic land units, composed of professionals in gynecology, urology and physiotherapy, offer specialized and comprehensive care.
As for treatment, the first step is usually modifying some habits: reducing the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, moderating fluid intake, preventing constipation and strengthening pelvic soil with specific exercises. If these measures are not enough, drugs can be prescribed to relax the bladder or, in more complex cases, resort to procedures such as the injection of botulinum toxin or the placement of support bands for the urethra.
Dr. Espuña emphasizes that urine losses should not be considered “normal” after delivery or during menopause. Although factors such as obesity, smoking or repeated physical efforts can aggravate the situation, it is also possible to improve it by adopting healthier habits.
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of a doctor who validates you and listens is key to living with incontinence.
The story of a patient from the Clinic Barcelona Hospital highlights the importance of asking for help in time. “I didn’t know exactly what happened to me and lived it very badly. Before there was an important taboo,” he recalls. The situation changed after receiving an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment that included muscle reinforcement exercises, medication and botulinum toxin. “My life has changed,” he says. For her, the most decisive was to find a medical team that recognized her problem: “Obtaining an accurate diagnosis of a doctor who validates you and listens is key to living with incontinence.”
There are various treatments that can significantly resolve or improve urinary incontinence. The General Council is not to postpone the medical consultation, since an adequate evaluation is essential to determine the best treatment option. With the appropriate approach and the support of a multidisciplinary team, many women can recover confidence and resume their daily activities without constant fear of an escape.
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