Our Health Matters is a campaign aimed at bringing about awareness regarding women’s health, particularly their urinary health. It is little known that the anatomical structures of female and male urinary systems are very different, implying a difference in the associated health issues. The existing ‘one size fits all’ approach towards preventive and treatment strategies implies that many women are deprived of appropriate treatment. This, alongside a lack of conversation due to heavy stigma surrounding women’s urinary health, gives women the sense that they cannot seek treatment for urinary incontinence. Prejudices and roles associated with gender and sex result in social barriers for women facing urinary incontinence, and hinder open discussion. Here at Our Health Matters, we strive to begin the conversation and encourage appropriate uro-gynaecological treatment for female urinary issues, especially urinary incontinence.
An author and student residing in New Delhi, India, with a passion for equity and a curiosity about healthcare. I spend my time probing society for gaps within it, with a quest to bridge them. My zeal for pursuing global equity, particularly in terms of health and gender, led me to my project on female urinary incontinence, a heavily unaddressed topic. Interacting with my community and bringing several hundred women to address their feminine health issues has been a deeply fulfilling experience thus far, and I hope to carry this effort forward with me as I grow.
We conduct workshops in collaboration with urogynaecological specialists to interact with individuals of all ages to talk about the A to Z of urogynaecological health, particularly emphasising on female urinary incontinence.
Our vision is to bring about widespread awareness surrounding this issue, its various prevention and treatment methods, and to encourage open discussion of feminine health, without shame or embarrassment.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is an issue entailing the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity, coughing, sneezing, exercising etc. and uncontrollable urges to urinate, faced by both males and females. However, it is more prevalent in females, and despite that, addressed far less
No! Treatments are available for urinary incontinence - biofeedback, pelvic floor physiotherapy, medication, surgery It can also be prevented through healthy bladder habits, and preventive pelvic floor muscle training
Urinary incontinence in women is caused due to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles during childbirth, as a part of aging, through hormonal changes, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. It is often exacerbated by frequent coughing, constipation, caffeine, and diuretics (like water pills)
Research has shown that only 42.5% of women with urinary incontinence seek treatment for urinary incontinence due to lack of awareness and stigma. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your urogynaecologist and your loved ones. You are not alone!
Step 1: Drink well
Step 2: Eat well
Step 3: Be active
Step 4: Look after your pelvic floor muscles
Step 5: Good toilet habits
