Are You Getting Screened for This Common Condition?

Incontinence is a common problem that affects women more than men. It results in urinary leaks and can negatively impact a person’s physical function, emotional health, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, many women suffer in silence as they are embarrassed to raise the issue with their doctor and doctors often don’t screen for it.

New guidelines from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI) have been released, calling for annual screening of urinary incontinence as a means to uncover those women who may be suffering in silence.

A review carried out by Oregon Health and Science University uncovered that no previous study examined the effectiveness or harm of screening for urinary incontinence. Despite this lack of information, WPSI still urges that urinary incontinence screening is carried out yearly to identify women who suffer from bladder leaks and are too embarrassed or afraid to mention it to their doctors. Furthermore, early diagnosis can prevent women from being prescribed costly and complex treatments.

WPSI does warn that assessment needs to be done to fully understand the risks and benefits of annual screening before making it a suggestion for the masses. In the meantime, if you are a woman struggling with bladder leaks, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor as there are many different treatment options available to you.

Also read:

• 9 Yoga Poses to Strengthen Your Bladder
• Foods to avoid if you suffer from bladder leaks
• Natural bladder supplements: 18 herbal remedies for overactive bladder