An unspoken epidemic: Over 50M people in India suffer from urinary continence

Hyderabad: Continence is the ability to control movements of the bowel and bladder which means the ability of the individual to release body waste like urine and feces.

Continence is not only the ability to physically hold things but to consciously control the release of human waste. Several factors, including obesity, diabetes, neurological conditions, smoking, and family history, are common risk factors.

Urinary continence is highly prevalent in India with more than 50 million individuals experiencing the condition. The condition has a high prevalence in urban areas rather than in rural areas, while women are more affected than men.

The lack of awareness about continence prevails across society, since it is mostly ignored but still considered an important component of general wellbeing. An international awareness campaign is carried out annually to address the complex nature of the continence problem.

The theme for the awareness was, ‘Shared Decision Making, Incontinence and Mental Health, Overactive Bladder, Faecal Incontinence, Sustainability, and Menopause’.

Dr D. Kashinatham, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Transplant Surgeon, at Yashoda Hospital said, “A compassionate, patient-centered approach is necessary to address the complex nature of continence diseases”.

People across all ages, genders, and origins worldwide suffer from continence problems, such as fecal and urine incontinence. The taboo prevailing in society prevents people from discussing the problem.

“Due in large part to shame, humiliation, and ignorance, studies reveal that less than 40% of people with urine incontinence seek medical assistance, and even fewer report fecal incontinence. In addition to delaying diagnosis and treatment, this silence makes patients' physical and mental suffering worse”, Dr Kashinatham said.

According to Dr Kashinatham, those affected by continence should seek medical support from specialists in urology and pelvic health.

“Patients are guaranteed to be well-informed and actively involved in selecting the course of therapy that best fits their needs, interests, and lifestyle thanks to this cooperative approach. Making decisions together increases adherence to therapy, builds trust, and eventually improves health outcomes”, he said.

Continence affects the quality of life of those affected, as their daily activities, social interactions, and emotional well-being. This leads to severe mental health problems as emotional distress, anxiety, and social isolation, which affect the individuals.

“An essential part of continence care is mental health. Anxiety, despair, social disengagement, and a lower quality of life can result from conditions including fecal incontinence and overactive bladder. Holistic patient care requires acknowledging and treating these emotional issues in addition to physical ailments”, Dr Kashinatham added.

World Continence Week, observed from June 16 to 22, emphasized the significance of managing continence concerns throughout menopause, when hormonal changes frequently make symptoms worse, and the sustainability of healthcare practices.

Dr Kashinatham said, “By focusing on the dignity and quality of life of vulnerable populations, innovative projects like the PROCON Project are improving continence care in nursing home health care professionals, caregivers, legislators, and the general public are being urged to end the taboo, lessen stigma, and advance research and education this week”.

It is essential for the millions of people affected by continence to seek assistance, obtain efficient therapies, and reclaim their self-esteem and independence by increasing awareness and promoting candid discussions.