Don’t neglect bladder problems

With age, we come faceto-face with many health problems, and most people will agree that urinary incontinence is one of them. It is well-known that many older people suffer from the problem and sadly many think it’s a regular part of ageing. The truth is that it does not have to be. Urologists are urging those suffering silently to consult their doctors. Depending on the cause of the problem, there are different ways such as certain lifestyle modifications and medicines that will help them to regain one’s control over the bladder. Dr S L Tolani, senior urologist, Monilek Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur, informs, “Our bladder is a vital part of our body, but we rarely think about it until it gives us trouble. Frequent urination, urine leakage and the constant feeling of needing ‘to go’ can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing.” Lack of physical exercise, sedentary lifestyle and normal agerelated loss in the number of muscle fibres puts our elderly patients at a higher risk of developing incontinence. If you’re experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder, like an urge to pee eight or more times a day, urinary leaks, or the need to wake up to pee twice or more per night, consult a urologist. Incontinence being socially embarrassing can lead to the withdrawal of the individual from social life and lead to low self-esteem and depression. DISCLAIMER: The veracity of any health claim made in the above article is the responsibility of the concerned hospital/doctor.

PHOTO: HTCS If you are experiencing an overactive bladder, urinary leaks, etc., consult a urologist