Urinary incontinence is a common health condition, millions of women of all ages face globally. Even though it's common, not many people know about treatment of urinary incontinence and due to many prevailing myths, it is misunderstood by the public. People find this topic difficult and embarrassing to discuss, and as a result, stigma shroud the condition. 

If you are suffering from urinary incontinence and need help for separating facts from the myths, you are on the right page. This article offers key answers while debunking the common misconceptions about urinary incontinence in women.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a health condition wherein individuals lose control over their bladder and, thus, experience frequent urine leaks. The presentation of this medical condition can range from occasionally leaking urine when jumping or coughing to having a strong, sudden urge to urinate that you don't even reach the toilet in time. 

What are the Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence?

Anyone can experience urinary incontinence due to everyday habits, underlying physical issues or chronic medical problems. The following listed are some short-term and long-term causes of urinary incontinence:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Certain beverages like alcohol, coffee, or carbonated drinks
• Certain foods like chocolate, artificial sweeteners, sugary or acidic foods, or chilli peppers
• Blood pressure and heart medications, muscle relaxants, or sedatives
• Constipation
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Childbirth
• Prostate cancer
• Neurological disorders
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Enlarged prostate
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Stroke
• Diabetes

Urinary Incontinence in Women: Facts vs. Myths 

Below given are some common misconceptions about urinary incontinence and the facts behind them:

Myth 1: Only Elderly People are Susceptible to Urinary Incontinence

One of the most persistent misconceptions about urinary incontinence is that only older people are susceptible to this health condition. While it's true that the risk for urinary incontinence increases as women age, it can impact individuals at several different stages throughout their lives. 

For instance, young women can experience sensitive bladder symptoms in their 20s or 30s when pregnant or after childbirth. Similarly, middle-aged women who hit menopause can suffer from urinary incontinence because of a drop in their estrogen levels. 

Myth 2: There are limited or Non-existent Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence 

Many women mistakenly believe that there are limited or no treatment options to get rid of urinary incontinence condition. However, this is far from the truth. 

A professional healthcare provider can recommend various treatment options for this medical condition, including incontinence medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapies, and surgical procedures. However, you should know that the treatment options can vary depending on the patient's incontinence type and severity. 

Yes, there are different types of urinary incontinence, such as:

• Stress incontinence: When you leak during activities like laughing, coughing, running, sneezing, or jumping due to weak pelvic floor muscles, it's called stress incontinence.
• Overflow incontinence: When your bladder fails to empty completely each time you urinate, you could be at risk of overflow incontinence.
• Urge incontinence: When a person has an intense urge to urinate right away without making it to the toilet, it's referred to as urge incontinence.
• Functional incontinence: Leakage occurring due to mobility issues instead of uncontrollable bladder issues is referred to as functional incontinence. 
• Mixed incontinence: People suffering from mixed urinary incontinence face a combination of several problems that lead to leakage issues. Such individuals might be experiencing stress incontinence and an overactive bladder at the same time. 

Myth 3: Urinary Incontinence is a Sign of Weakness

There is no relationship between urinary incontinence in women and personal strength or weakness. Instead, it's a medical condition that many underlying factors, such as muscle dysfunction, structural issues, nerve damage, and eating habits, can cause.

Blaming people for their urinary incontinence condition can make them embarrassed and lead to isolation, hindering their ability to seek medical help. Understanding that incontinence is a health issue, not a character or strength-related flaw, is vital.

Myth 4: Urinary Incontinence is a Disease of its Own

Urinary incontinence in women can be a sign of an underlying health condition, like prolapse or a disease affecting the bladder or the way one's body produces urine. Moreover, this medical condition can also be caused by any previous surgery, damaged pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy or childbirth, or urinary tract infection.

You should consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and ensure that your urinary incontinence is not a symptom of any long-term health concern.

Myth 5: Women Experiencing Urinary Incontinence Can't Enjoy Life Anymore

Many people believe that they can't live their life normally or enjoy it to the fullest while experiencing urinary incontinence. However, you don't have to let your medical condition impact your everyday routine or social life.

Even though you might not have complete control over your bladder, you can strengthen your pelvic muscles with the proper treatment, medication, and pelvic floor exercises. If you still notice the symptoms, seek medical assistance to identify the source of your health problem and manage it. Also, there are many temporary supporting measures like diapers etc , which can help you to avoid embarrassment till you are fully relieved on being treated. 

Myth 6: Drinking Less Water Can Help Dealing with Weak Bladder

Almost everyone suffering from urinary incontinence thinks of cutting off water intake to deal with their health concern. However, paradoxically, dehydrating yourself can produce concentrated urine and in turn, cause bladder irritation, further increasing the urgency and frequency of urine. 

If you experience urge incontinence or have an overactive bladder, reduce consuming beverages like caffeine, carbonated or sparkly water drinks, and alcohol rather than cutting down water intake.

Wrapping up!

One truth you should remember is that urinary incontinence is not a life-or-death matter. Thus, you don't have to feel ashamed or live quietly with it. You can get it cured, treated, or at least managed with medical professional guidance.