According to the Mayo Clinic, urinary incontinence — or the loss of bladder control — is a common problem.
The condition ranges in severity, from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze, to having an urge to urinate so sudden and strong that you don’t get to a toilet in time.
Fortunately, urinary incontinence is a treatable condition. In most cases, simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment can ease discomfort or stop urinary incontinence altogether.
The problem, according to the Mayo Clinic, is that incontinence can be an embarrassing condition and many people who suffer from it may be unwilling to seek medical assistance.
Urinary incontinence may cause sufferers to restrict activities and limit social interactions to avoid embarrassment. But they should see a doctor because urinary incontinence may indicate a more serious underlying problem. It can also increase the risk of falls in older adults as they rush to make it to the toilet.
A number of treatments are available, including surgery, medication and physical therapy. But some treatments have proven problematic.
Vaginal mesh implants, for exampled, have prompted thousands of lawsuits due to their tendency to fail and cause health problems. The most common reported problem is the vaginal mesh eroding and sticking through the walls of the bladder and vagina, causing severe pain.
If you’ve had one of these devices implanted, you should consult with a doctor if you have any ongoing symptoms or health concerns. If you have significant injuries, you should also consult with a mesh lawyer to discuss your legal rights.
Get more information on urinary incontinence here: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-incontinence/DS00404