Female Stress Urinary Incontinence in Iranian Traditional medicine, its prevention and comparison to modern medicine

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as involuntary emission of urine following straining or cough or sneezing. It is considered one of the major health issues throughout the world with its negative social, cultural and psychological impact. The aim of this study is to achieve substantive theory and Prevention strategies of SUI in the Iranian Traditional medicine (ITM) and comparing them with contemporary medicine.
we searched contemporary medical articles in various libraries for etiology of SUI and its preventive methods. Then we discussed the SUI from ITM perspective while mentioning its preventive methods with emphasis on control of main causes. They were compared with the ones mentioned in contemporary medicine.
We found reports about urinary incontinence (UI) in ancient sources of ITM. Considering SUI symptoms in modern medicine, we found footprints of SUI in Salas-albool (Urine incontinence) and Taghtir-albool (Dribbling) caused by moisture (Rotubat), coldness and weakness of bladder. Risk factors for development or aggravation of stress incontinence are weakness of pelvic structures such as bladder neck with resultant decreased prehensility of bladder (quvah maskah). Avicenna and other ITM scholars believe that moisture (Rotubat) and coldness can weaken the retention capacity (quvah maskah) of bladder. Therefore controlling the aggravation of moisture and coldness in the body and pelvic region and bladder in particular can prevent the development of stress incontinence.They include lifestyle recommendations for bladder and related organs such as eating and drinking habits, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, sleep and wakefulness, bathing and proper sitting habits.
Discussion & There is considerable similarity between contemporary medicine and ITM about etiology and prevention of SUI. Still ITM medicine’s recommendations seem to be more ccomprehensive paving the way for an educational program for women, mothers and young females. Despite scientific advancements managing stress incontinence can be easier by using preventive methods of ITM.