Prof Monika Gupta urges women, especially in rural and farming communities, to seek timely medical advice instead of suffering silently

New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma


Urinary problems among women are common, yet many continue to suffer in silence because of embarrassment, lack of awareness and hesitation in discussing intimate health issues. From recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) to urine leakage and sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate, such problems can affect a woman’s health, confidence, work and everyday life.


Prof Monika Gupta, Department of Gynaecology, Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, who specialises in women’s urinary problems, said urinary complaints should not be ignored or treated as a normal part of a woman’s life.


Rural women need greater awareness
The issue becomes particularly important for women living in rural and farming communities, where access to specialist healthcare may be limited and women often continue with household and agricultural responsibilities despite health problems.
Prof Gupta said women should speak openly with doctors if they notice repeated urinary infections, difficulty controlling urine or unusual changes in their normal urinary habits.


Urine leakage is not something women simply have to live with
Urinary incontinence refers to involuntary leakage of urine. Some women may experience a sudden and powerful urge to urinate and may be unable to reach the toilet in time.


Others may leak urine while coughing, sneezing, laughing or undertaking physical activity. If such symptoms are persistent or troublesome, medical evaluation is advisable.


A weak or slow urine stream, frequent urination and sudden urgency are also symptoms that deserve attention.


Pelvic problems can affect quality of life
According to Prof Gupta, women may also experience conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, in which pelvic organs move downward from their normal position. Bowel-related problems may also occur.


Such conditions can interfere significantly with a woman’s daily routine and overall quality of life.


Embarrassment often delays treatment
One of the major challenges is that women may hesitate to discuss urinary or pelvic symptoms with family members or doctors. Because these problems involve intimate areas of the body, many women feel uncomfortable seeking help.
Prof Gupta noted that in many cases, doctors identify the problem only after specifically asking women about their urinary symptoms.


Farm women should not ignore symptoms
For women working in fields or performing physically demanding household and agricultural activities, urine leakage during coughing, lifting, sneezing or other exertion should not simply be ignored.
Early consultation can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. Women should avoid waiting until symptoms become severe.


Avoid self-medication
Prof Gupta also cautioned women against taking medicines for urinary problems without medical advice.
The underlying cause of urinary symptoms needs to be identified before treatment is started. Repeated self-medication or use of over-the-counter medicines without professional guidance may delay appropriate care.


Simple precautions can support urinary health
Women can take basic steps to support urinary health, including maintaining personal hygiene, drinking adequate fluids and avoiding unnecessarily holding urine for long periods.


Most importantly, repeated or unusual urinary complaints should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.


A message for every woman
The message from healthcare professionals is clear: urinary problems are common, many are treatable, and there is no reason to feel ashamed about discussing them.


Whether a woman lives in a city, village or farming community, timely medical advice can help prevent urinary problems from becoming a long-term burden.


“Speak up, seek advice and protect your health—silence should never come at the cost of a woman’s well-being.”