New website encourages Irish women to ditch the shame of a common issue

According to new research, one Irish woman out of every three is too embarrassed to seek help for an overactive bladder (OAB). This is why we’re delighted to see a new Irish website called OAB Outlook launched with the goal to educate Irish women on the condition. The site provides helpful resources such as videos and a self-assessment tool and aims to encourage women to confidently seek treatment.

OAB has a much higher incidence than most Irish women realise. In fact, it’s more common in Ireland than diabetes, affecting more than 350,000 people around the country.

“OAB is a common problem, and whilst the incidence increases with age, it can affect young and old and men and women alike,” says Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan, President of the Continence Foundation of Ireland and consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Cork University Maternity Hospital. “It tends to creep up on people, and is distressing and embarrassing, having a very negative impact on a sufferer’s quality of life. It leads to low self-esteem and social isolation. Sufferers tend to seek help very late, as most are not aware how common and treatable the condition is.”

A worrying number of people just are not seeking help, says Dr. O’Sullivan, with their decision stemming from feelings of embarrassment of uncertainty.

 “That is why starting the conversation and launching this new website is so important,” she explains. “Although people might feel embarrassed discussing such a private matter with a health professional, they will never regret it. It is always worthwhile taking that step and seeking help, particularly if the symptoms disrupt daily activities.”

With most OAB treatment plans including simple lifestyle changes and bladder training techniques, as well as pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder, treating the condition is relatively simple and painless.

We are urging mums who may be experiencing OAB to seek help – we want you healthy and happy and at your best.