Sometimes the highest expectations come from within. Women often feel pressure to be or at least seem perfect. So when sensitive health issues like bladder leaks or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) arise that slow us down, it can make us want to pretend they don’t exist.
Unfortunately, leaving urologic issues unaddressed can take a toll on our quality of life. That’s why it’s crucial to find relief. That starts with busting misconceptions (and the accompanying self-perceived stigma) that prevents us from seeking care.
Here are just a few of the urology-related misperceptions I hear on a near-daily basis:
1. For women of a certain age, bladder leakage can’t be fixed. It’s true that aging and the corresponding decrease in estrogen and skin elasticity can lead to urologic issues, including bladder leakage. However, medical intervention can help. Treatment will vary by type: 1) address urge (i.e., the immediate need to go) with oral medications, pelvic floor physical therapy or behavioral modifications; 2) stress (i.e., leakage with laughing or jumping) with pelvic floor physical therapy and surgical interventions; or 3) mixed, resulting from factors like childbirth and weight gain, with a combination of treatments. For all types, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and avoiding certain irritating medications and foods help reduce symptoms.
2. Poor hygiene or being “dirty” causes UTIs. You can bathe every day, wipe front to back, use the bathroom after sexual intercourse… A UTI can still happen. There are certain conditions like diabetes, which increases sugar in the urine, that increase women’s susceptibility. Unless your health care provider recommends otherwise, only mild soap and water is required for good hygiene. Using other products could cause additional issues. If women are experiencing the traditional symptoms of a UTI, such as burning with urination, they should see their doctor.
3. A small bladder is the culprit for urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder. Neglecting hydration in a quest to “fix” our urinary incontinence or overactive bladder can backfire and harm our overall well-being, including our urologic health. Why? It causes our bodies to dry out and irritates our bladder and urethra. A lack of fluids can also lead to constipation-related pressure like a UTI. While a “small bladder” is an actual condition, the feeling of needing to use the bathroom generally results from not fully emptying our bladders. Women should consult their providers if the urge to go affects quality of life, such as their ability to get adequate sleep.
4. Drinking cranberry juice will treat my UTI. Unfortunately, many options we reach for at the grocery store aren’t pure cranberry extract, but instead sugar-laden versions that won’t treat the root cause of our UTIs — a bacterial infection — and the related symptoms. Instead of swigging glasses of cranberry-flavored juices, as delicious as they are, women with UTIs should take the entire course of antibiotics prescribed. If their infections are or become recurrent, their doctors should complete a urine culture to identify the specific bacterial strain and appropriate medication.
5. Women with urinary incontinence should change their pads every [insert number] hours. Purchasing hygiene products like liners and pads can be costly. Some patients prefer to change with every leak, even minute amounts, while others wait until the last minute, which can create an environment for bacteria to grow. Generally, and within reason, the frequency of hygiene product changes should depend on individual preference. I recommend women do it as often as needed to stay comfortable and prevent skin irritation and bacterial growth.
As we say to patients at CARTI, “You know your body best.” Talk to your doctor if something doesn’t feel right or if urologic-related symptoms affect your daily life or hinder your ability to do what you love.
Christie Dumboski, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner who sees patients at the CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock and the CARTI Clinic in Conway.