Leaky Bladder Affects Women's Quality of Life

 By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Sarah (not her real name) often feels discomfort and embarrassment due to her inability to control the urge to urinate, especially during social interactions with friends.

The issue sometimes occurs even while she is on her way to the restroom and frequently disrupts her work hours.

This condition has left the 35-year-old constantly worried about how others perceive her, making daily tasks, including performing prayers, challenging. It has also led her to avoid social gatherings and events altogether.

The problem faced by this mother of three may be seen as trivial by some, but in reality, urinary incontinence—commonly known as a leaky bladder—can profoundly affect quality of life and erode self-confidence.

According to Associate Professor Dr Ixora Kamisan Atan, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan (UKM) and Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Urogynaecologist at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, the condition known as 'urinary incontinence' refers to the inability of an indi vidual to control urination.

She said women with incontinence often experience urine leakage during activities such as laughing, lifting objects, rising from a seated position, or when they frequently struggle to reach the restroom in time.

 “Common problems arising from weakened or impaired pelvic floor muscles include urinary leakage, faecal leakage, pelvic organ prolapse (uterine prolapse), and sexual dysfunction.

“There are several types of urinary incontinence, with the most common being urge urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence occurs when urine leaks involuntarily during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. In contrast, urge urinary incontinence is characterised by a sudden and intense urge to urinate,” she told Bernama in a recent interview.  

pic-2

Dr Ixora added that this condition is particularly common among women, especially those who have been pregnant and given birth, are menopausal, obese, suffer from nerve disorders or chronic illnesses (such as diabetes and lung diseases), are ageing, or lead unhealthy lifestyles.

With 17 years of experience in gynaecology and 12 years in urogynaecology, Dr Ixora said studies have shown 16 to 23 per cent of women in Malaysia suffer from urinary leakage.

What concerns her most is the widespread sense of embarrassment among women, which often causes them to remain silent about the issue.

“They are often too embarrassed to discuss the issue openly, including hesitating to consult a doctor for advice and treatment. As a result, they experience feelings of insecurity, discomfort, stress, and depression. For Muslim women, it also presents creates challenges in performing prayers due to concerns about cleanliness and personal purity.

 “In fact, some perceive the problem as a natural part of being a woman. As a result, some women change their lifestyle, avoiding social interactions and refraining from outdoor activities,” she said.

Dr Ixora urged patients to consult doctors and seek guidance on the most appropriate treatment options. These may include referrals to physiotherapists for pelvic floor strengthening exercises, medication, or, if necessary, surgery.

 Dr Ixora emphasised the importance of launching more educational programmes to raise awareness among women about this issue, while encouraging them to seek treatment instead of suffering in silence.

She also advised women to embrace a healthy lifestyle by maintaining an ideal body weight, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.

“Routine pelvic floor exercises, including during pregnancy, are also beneficial. Additionally, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and lung problems should be properly managed, as they can   contribute to urinary issues.

“Don’t wait for the condition to worsen—seek medical advice promptly. Don’t be embarrassed to seek treatment or share your concerns, as this is an abnormal condition that can significantly impact your quality of life,” she said.

-- BERNAMA