We often fail to account for the mental impact of physical ailments. Not only does the pain manifest in different forms, but some illnesses can wreak havoc on people and their confidence as well.
The condition is worst yet when it leads to physical issues that are apparent, and embarrassing. As conceptualization of natural phenomenon like sex, excretion etc. have not evolved, any issues pertaining to these are met with much embarrassment.
Common urological problems
Even though at surface it may not be apparent, but urology and mental health have an important connection in men. According to research published in IJIR, those suffering from urinary tract issues are susceptible to mental health issues like depression, insomnia etc.
Doctors like best urologist in Karachi not only then have to deal with the disease, but also have to screen patients for mental health issues, referring them to a specialist if need be.
Common urological issues that are linked especially with mental health problems include:
Sexual dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is known as the ability to have an erection or maintain it for longer enough to have satisfying sex. There are many reasons behind ED; at times it is physical problems like nerve damage that leads to this condition. Other times, it is stress and performance anxiety that causes the inability to have sex.
Regardless of the cause of erectile dysfunction, the issue is urological which leads to intense mental stress. Not only are men deprived of a source of pleasure, but they also have to suffer from lack of intimate relationships. This makes them outcasts, and understandably leads to deteriorated self-worth.
Depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, mood problems ensue as a result as well.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to the lack of bladder control. In some people, the leakage is minor however in some, it can be severe enough to be complete loss as well. UI therefore is not just disruptive, but also rather embarrassing as well.
Due to the nature of the problem, urinary incontinence also leads to loneliness, as it gets hard to share close quarters with another person. Patients also get ashamed of their problem, consequently, they become even further isolated.
Urinary incontinence also makes it harder for people to continue with their normal routine. From the fear of urination, they do not go out in public. Some have to wear urine bags, further adding to their mental stress.
Moreover, this condition also involves frequent urination in certain cases, also at night.
When people have to get up frequently to pee, their sleep is also disrupted. As lack of proper shuteye also leads to the mental health issues, the already fragile mental state becomes worse.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Since this cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stages, it is harder to diagnose in earlier stages. Therefore, the chance of cancer spreading to the rest of the body are relatively higher.
With terminal and painful conditions like cancer, mental health is jeopardized. Patients get under immense stress, and some even become depressed. As impaired mental health is bad for patient prognosis, therefore, the physical health suffers even more.
Moreover, even in cases patient gets the requisite treatment, mental health still remains an issue. Prostate cancer treatment can cause urinary incontinence, and it can be severe enough to be permanent as well.
Similarly, prostate cancer, or even its treatment, can also erectile dysfunction. Hence, the burden of physical ailments on mental health is great.
Getting better
Due to the stigma attached with mental health, and especially in light of the personal nature of the cause of mental health problems, it is harder for men to get the much-needed help. They not only then have to suffer physically, but the mental toll is great as well.
Hence, the role of best urologist in Lahore is not just physically treating the patient, but also acting in the best interest of the patient. This includes being aware of the mental state of the patient and referring them to the specialist doctor.
