Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. It is a common condition affecting people of all ages. Effective treatment can significantly enhance your quality of life.
Carefully planned and personalized according to your treatment needs, a urinary incontinence treatment could be what you need to regain control over your bladder. It can also help you do away with the embarrassment and discomfort that comes with this condition. You can enjoy social activities without fear of leakage, maintain better hygiene, and sleep through the night undisturbed.
When should I Seek Help for Incontinence?
Recognizing when to seek help for urinary incontinence is not only key for maintaining your well-being. As earlier mentioned, it can also massively improve your quality of life. Here are five key indicators you should seek help for urinary incontinence;
- Frequency and Severity: Pay close attention if you’re facing urinary incontinence frequently. Daily or multiple times a week occurrences signal an issue. Also, consider the severity of the leakage. If it worsens over time, from a few drops to a significant amount, it’s a cause for concern. Consistent and severe incontinence can disrupt your daily routines and social life. This way, it can affect your overall well-being. It’s crucial not to dismiss these signs and seek assistance.
- Impact on Daily Activities: Urinary incontinence should not hinder your ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy social activities. When it starts interfering, it’s a red flag. Avoiding outings, refraining from physical activities, or limiting fluid intake to prevent accidents can lead to isolation and a diminished quality of life. If incontinence is restricting your freedom and enjoyment, it’s time to seek help.
- No Improvement with Lifestyle Changes: Many individuals attempt to manage incontinence by adjusting their lifestyle, such as avoiding certain foods or drinks. While these changes can offer some relief, if you’ve consistently made efforts without substantial improvement, it’s essential to explore more comprehensive treatment options. Don’t let stubborn incontinence dictate your life.
- Incontinence Affects Your Emotional Well-being: Incontinence doesn’t just affect the body. It can also take a toll on your emotional well-being. It may cause feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, or depression. If you find yourself increasingly distressed or preoccupied with the fear of leakage, seek help for urinary incontinence. Self consciousness due to urinary incontinence is a clear sign that your mental health is being impacted. Seeking treatment can help alleviate these emotional burdens. It can also improve your overall outlook on life.
- Secondary Health Issues: Ignoring incontinence can lead to additional health problems. Prolonged untreated incontinence can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. It can also increase your risks of skin irritation, or worsen underlying bladder conditions. These complications can further compromise your overall health and well-being. If you notice these secondary issues emerging, seek help for urinary incontinence. A specialist can help you address the root cause through treatment promptly. Don’t wait until your health is further compromised; seek help to regain control of your life and health.
What Happens if Incontinence is Left Untreated?
Many people who visit our clinic for urinary incontinence treatment frequently ask; ‘what happens if urinary incontinence is left untreated?’ To begin with, neglecting to address urinary incontinence isn’t even a wise idea.
While you may want to just watch and hope it goes away, untreated urinary incontinence is not a condition to be taken lightly. It cannot only lead to various complications.
It can also significantly impact your quality of life. Here are five potential consequences of not seeking urinary incontinence treatment if you indeed need the treatment;
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): When urine leaks involuntarily, it can introduce harmful bacteria into the urinary tract, elevating the risk of UTIs. These infections can manifest with symptoms like painful urination, frequent bathroom trips, and fever. Neglecting UTIs can escalate them into more severe kidney infections, potentially causing kidney damage. And if you’re already susceptible to UTIs, untreated incontinence exacerbates the problem. It can make recurrent infections more likely.
- Skin Irritation and Infections: Prolonged exposure to urine can irritate the sensitive skin around the genital area, buttocks, and thighs. Moist conditions from urine provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to skin infections. These infections can be painful, itchy, and may result in open sores or ulcers, causing daily discomfort and raising the risk of complications. Chronic skin problems can significantly reduce the overall quality of life for those grappling with untreated incontinence.
- Worsening of Underlying Bladder Conditions: Incontinence often coexists with other bladder-related issues like overactive bladder or interstitial cystitis. Neglecting incontinence can exacerbate these underlying conditions, resulting in more frequent and severe symptoms. Over time, untreated incontinence can compound bladder problems, making them harder to manage and treat effectively. This cycle can greatly diminish bladder health and overall well-being.
- Social Isolation and Emotional Distress: Living with untreated incontinence can lead to social isolation and emotional distress. Fear of leakage and embarrassment may cause individuals to withdraw from social activities, avoid gatherings, or limit participation in life’s pleasures. This isolation can foster feelings of loneliness. It can also increase your risks of falling into depression, and anxiety, adversely affecting your mental health. The emotional toll of untreated incontinence can be as crippling as the physical consequences. It cannot only impact your overall happiness but also life satisfaction.
- Deterioration of Muscle Control: The muscles responsible for controlling urination, known as pelvic floor muscles, can weaken over time without proper treatment. Weakened pelvic floor muscles make it even more challenging to regain control over urination through exercises or other non-invasive methods. Consequently, the condition may become increasingly resistant to conservative management, potentially necessitating more invasive interventions down the road.
It’s a Wrap!
Recognizing the signs that you need urinary incontinence treatment is crucial for your physical and emotional well-being. So, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional who can guide you towards effective treatment options.
At Aare Urocare, we empathize with the frustration of managing urinary incontinence. Our personalized, holistic approach ensures effective treatment. Reach out today to schedule your assessment and reclaim your quality of life. Call or visit us at;
Aare Urocare – One-Stop Incontinence Centre | Dr Fiona Wu | Kidney Stones Removal | UTI Vaccine Singapore
6 Napier Road #10-06 Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
+656252 4681