Bladder leaks not just a concern for the aged

Urinary incontinence is a common medical condition that affects over 20 million Indians, but awareness remains abysmally low. Here's all that you need to know

- SREYA DEB

STRESS, PREGNANCY, MENOPAUSE, old age, diabetes and a host of other health ailments have one condition in common as a side effect - urinary incontinence, or involuntary loss of bladder, ranging from occasional leakage to more severe issues.

According to a joint study by Redseer Strategy Consultants and Nobel Hygiene, a leading producer of adult diapers in India, about 20 million Indians suffer from incontinence, but only about 5% know to seek medical help for the same. Doctors hold that in a majority of cases, individuals suffering from incontinence consider it a part of ageing, postpartum symptoms, or even normal, which is why the number of people getting diagnosed, seeking help or purchasing adult diapers is abysmally low.

Lack of awareness "Urinary incontinence is an under-recognised yet widespread health concern in India," says Dr Roopali Sehgal, Benzer Maternity and Hospital, Member of the Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecology UK, and also associated as a consultant with Nobel Hygiene. "However, what is truly concerning is that less than half of these people are aware that their symptoms constitute a medical issue since many simply accept bladder leaks as a normal part of ageing or a consequence of childbirth," she adds.

"When people do not recognise early signs of bladder issues or misinterpret them as inevitable, they are far less likely to seek medical help or even discuss the matter with family or friends. This silence delays diagnosis and effective management," explains Dr Sehgal, adding that not only does this result in physical challenges such as increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and skin problems but also psychological distress and loss of confidence.