Social Stigma Examined as 42% of UAE Women Suffer from Incontinence

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 08, 2015 --(PR.com)-- According to the most recent study on urinary incontinence in UAE women, approximately 42% suffered from the condition with a mean age of 38. Nearly 80% of the patients complained of disrupted daily life; namely praying, social activities, physical activities, and intimacy. Urinary incontinence is a urological condition and should be treated mainly by a urology specialist or consultant. However, the majority of urologists in UAE are males and, most of the patients are female and prefer to seek treatment with a female gynecologist. Most of the patients with urinary incontinence can be treated, but most patients do not seek medical advice due to cultural and social issues.

Urinary incontinence is a condition that causes involuntary urination, or uncontrolled leakage of urine. It is very common among women especially above the age of 40 who have a history of multiple deliveries. The severity of the condition could range from leaking of small amounts of urine with activities such as sneezing, coughing, and lifting, to severe urinary incontinence with complete leakage of urine without applying any pressure.

“Due to multiple pregnancies among UAE women, the prevalence of urinary incontinence is expected to be significantly more and the incidence of urinary incontinence increases with age and frequency of childbirth. Meanwhile, obesity has also a negative impact on the condition,” says Dr Fariborz Bagheri, Consultant, Urology, Dubai Hospital, Dubai, UAE.

Dr Bagheri will speak at the 8th Middle East Update in Urology Conference at Arab Health Congress, the region’s largest healthcare exhibition and congress, organized by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions from 26-29 January 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. Gathering speakers and delegates from across the region, the conference will examine the latest advancements in treating urological disorders in the Middle East population.

Urinary incontinence has a profound impact on quality of life and can cause social separation, sexual dysfunction, and may have psychological consequences. On the other hand, if not treated, it can rarely cause any serious medical complication. The main objective of any treatment of urinary incontinence should be the improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

According to Dr Bagheri, “There are several treatments for urinary incontinence depending on its type, cause, severity and time of onset. Some patients are prescribed medication and some of them are advised to perform certain physical exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. Currently, we have several types of physiotherapy for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Only a few patients may need surgery. The most common type of surgery for treatment of urinary incontinence is a small thin sling insertion which can support the urethra and prevent involuntary leakage.”