KARACHI, Feb 4: Urinary problems in women, especially urinary incontinence, is a hugely under reported health concern all over the world. The situation is more serious in developing countries, like Pakistan where cultural norms, misconceptions and lack of trained female surgeons prevent women from seeking medical treatment. Most of these problems can be effectively addressed with lifestyle changes, exercise and medications.

This was the gist of Dr Nuzhat Faruqui’s presentation, Common urological problems in females, which was organised at the PMA House yesterday. A doctor at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr Faruqui is also a member of the European Board of Urology.

Explaining why urinary problems are under reported, she said the problem was often taken as part of the normal ageing process. Surgery was taken as the only option and women felt embarrassed to seek medical treatment. If left untreated, she said, urinary problems can result in serious morbidity. Of all the urological problems, the most common was urinary incontinence. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had recognised incontinence as an international health concern, she said.

She informed that pregnancy and childbirth and the structure of the urinary tract make women more vulnerable to have urinary incontinence. Older women experienced incontinence more. But, this problem was not associated with age and was treatable.

Dr Faruqui said billions of dollars were spent annually on products for this problem in North America where only 10 to 60 per cent of women reported urinary incontinence and more than 50 per cent of women in nursing homes were incontinent.

“Uncontrolled urine leakage causes serious hygienic and social problems. The 10 warning signs of bladder control problems include leakage of urine regardless of amount, on coughing, sneezing, laughing or standing; leakage on the way to the toilet, bed-wetting at any age over six years. People should take notice and immediately report to the doctor,” she said.

Apart from medications, the non-surgical options for urinary incontinence include fluid management, reduction in caffeine, alcohol and smoking, bladder retraining and pelvic floor exercises and continence devices, she said.—Our Reporter