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Urinary incontinence a common problem: Expert

DHA doctor Dr Faiza Badawi Mahgoub says in Twitter clinic that condition is more common among women.

A doctor addressing Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) smart clinic via its Twitter portal @DHA_Dubai has said urinary incontinence is a common problem, especially among women.

Dr Faiza Badawi Mahgoub, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Latifa Hospital addressed queries and disseminated vital information during the two-hour smart clinic.

She said: “Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that’s so sudden and strong you don’t get to a toilet in time.

If urinary incontinence affects daily activities, then the person must visit the doctor. The earlier rehabilitation techniques are started, the lesser the complications and better the results.”

Dr Mahgoub said there are different reasons for urinary incontinence but the main reason in women is pregnancy and child birth. “Pregnancy puts pressure on the bladder and the urethra, and normal delivery further weakens the muscles needed for bladder control. Women who have had a C-section are less prone to face this problem but in many cases pregnancy itself can affect the muscles.”

She added the problem is more common in women who give birth to babies that weigh 3.8kg or more and in patients who have a complicated or prolonged labour.

Other reasons include ageing and menopause, obesity and neurological causes. “After menopause women are more prone to incontinence as there is loss of estrogen hormone which has a direct effect on the bladder and the muscles supporting it.”

The important message, she said, is that there is treatment available. She said first line of treatment includes lifestyle modification. “Certain drinks and foods act as diuretics; these include alcohol, coffee, decaffeinated tea and coffee, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, foods high in spice or sugar.

“We ask women to reduce the intake of these foods and drinks. Diabetic patients are asked to keep their sugar in control, obese patients are put on a diet. The second line of treatment is physiotherapy and bladder training.”

Pelvic floor exercises and other exercises are taught to patients and they are told to perform these exercises at home on a daily basis. -asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com