Urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control is the medical term for those awkward episodes when women experience urine leaks out of the blue. Did you know that this rarely discussed issue affects a whole lot of women and even some men?

There are treatments and solutions available for this condition yet people continue to buy the myths that surround urinary incontinence.

Let’s go ahead and bust a few of them right away.

  1. Incontinence is normal – It’s just age catching up

    This is the most common myth that almost everyone buys that as women grow old, they lose the ability to keep their urine in. Although old age increases the risk of losing bladder control, it still isn’t normal and needs treatment.

  2. Incontinence is not a big health issue

    Incontinence leads to other associated health issues both physical and mental. It can cause mental depression and decreased social activity. Too many trips to the toilet in old age can expose them to other risks of physical injury.

  3. Only surgery can fix your bladder control issue

    Some people believe that only surgery can solve the issue of incontinence. They have no idea that there are non-invasive treatments available that are effective,

    Pelvic muscle training, increasing the gap between bathroom trips, relaxation exercises, reducing caffeine intake, and some medication can fix the issue of urinary incontinence.

  4. Doctors can’t fix this issue

    Somehow, the myth that doctors can’t solve the issue of incontinence has gained ground. Several women are confused about which doctor to consult – should it be the general physician or the gynaecologist. Most people don’t know that a medical speciality called urogynaecology exists. A urogynaecologist is a doctor who specializes in both gynaecology and urology. Being a relatively new discipline most people are unaware of it.

  5. Running to the washroom is a great idea

    Sprinting to the bathroom whenever you have urge incontinence is not a viable option. You may not always reach the finish line. It is way better if you practise Kegel exercises to contract your pelvic floor muscles. That way, you can easily walk to the bathroom and get a handle on your condition.

  6. A small bladder causes loss of bladder control

    This is another foolish myth that many want to believe. The fact of the matter is that the size of the bladder has nothing to do with the urine leakage. Urinary incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder that causes the urge to urinate frequently, not because the bladder size is small. Over time muscles and nerves around the bladder may weaken and this may cause the involuntary release of urine. A urogynaecologist may help women find the root cause of the problem so that proper treatment can be given.

  7. Urinary Incontinence is a women’s thing

    Although more women suffer from urinary incontinence, it is not limited to them alone. It can also affect older men especially those facing prostate issues or being treated for prostate cancer. It is a gender-neutral condition and needs to be dealt with by both men and women.

    Now that the myths around urinary incontinence are busted, it is best that those affected by the condition deal with it calmly and seek expert advice. There are several treatments and solutions available. While working to improve the condition through Kegel exercises or diet modifications, adult diapers like Lifree can be used to keep yourself dry and comfortable. This will help you lead a normal life while you resolve the issue.