#StopTheLeak, a campaign to raise awareness on the subject of urinary incontinence, launches in conjunction with World Bladder Health Month.
Founded by two doctors, Dr Dinesh and Dr Sarahanna, the campaign sees the introduction of http://stoptheleak.com.my/, a website built to provide information and resources on urinary incontinence for those seeking help and/or treatment.
What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, typically caused by a weak pelvic floor. While it has been assumed to be an issue only faced by women after childbirth, younger women are susceptible to this issue as well, with symptoms as simple as leaking during laughter.
Affecting over 200 million people worldwide, one in four women over the age of 18 will experience involuntary leakage of urine throughout their lives. On average, women tend to wait 6.5 years from the first time they experience symptoms until they consult a medical professional.
If left untreated, the condition can lead to higher chances of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s), contact dermatitis and other forms of inflammation, causing painful rashes and sores.
“Urinary incontinence is a treatable condition and should be talked about. For too many it has become a burdensome part of their lives that they just accept without considering and sometimes even knowing their options,” says Dr. Dinesh.
Let’s Talk About The Leak
Due to the taboo surrounding intimate health especially in Asia, many Malaysian women tend to not seek help at all. The founders of #StopTheLeak, Dr Dinesh and Dr Sarahanna, aim to change just that through bravely confronting these uncomfortable and what many would consider “shameful” discussions.
Those who suffer in silence commonly face severely lowered quality of life, hindered social interactions leading to self-esteem issues and in worst cases, anxiety and depression.
“Just speaking to patients over the years made me realise that taboo issues such as incontinence that are not discussed openly just become normalised or swept under the rug without actually being addressed. It frustrated us to see their resignation and acceptance of an issue that is actually treatable, which is what spurred us on to launch this campaign,” says Dr. Sarahanna. “At the heart of it, we want to break taboos and normalise these conversations,” she continues.
#StopTheLeak
The website is designed to be a safe space that provides information on the condition from symptoms, non-invasive treatment options and advice on steps moving forward.
A list of General Practitioners (GPs) around the Klang Valley that women can consult should they suspect that they are dealing with urinary incontinence will also be available.
For more information, visit http://stoptheleak.com.my/
About Dr Dinesh
After graduating from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 2016, Dr Dinesh Kanasen joined the Ministry of Health Malaysia as a Medical Officer. Dr Dinesh moved on to becoming a Medical Aesthetic Consultant, providing detailed and specialised consultations in the field of non-surgical facelifts, fillers, hair management and skin diseases.
In 2014, Dr Dinesh proceeded to establish DR.D clinic, specialising in the field of aesthetic medicine, anti-aging and regenerative medicine. An accredited LCP holder by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Dr Dinesh is also a locally and regionally certified trainer in Botox and fillers.
About Dr Sarahanna
Graduating from Manipal University in 2006 with Distinctions, Dr Sarahanna, or more fondly known as Dr Sarah, has amassed over 12 years of experience in the medical field. Prior to pursuing her Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, Dr Sarahanna worked at Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit in Sungai Buloh treating traumatic facial wounds and burns.
In 2018, Dr Sarahanna joined her husband at DR.D clinic as a Consultant Aesthetic Physician, specialising in non-surgical face enhancement BOTOX , fillers and non-Invasive facelifts, along with women’s health and wellbeing. Dr Sarahanna is currently a Medical Director at DR.D Clinic.
