Urinary incontinence myths

There are many myths surrounding the issue of urinary incontinence. This is likely because many people are too embarrassed to discuss the problem, which allows misinformation to flourish. Because so many are understandably uncomfortable talking about incontinence, they may not be aware of what can be done to combat the problem. The following article will address some of these myths, in an effort to dispel some of the most common misperceptions.

Myth # 1 Incontinence is not a common problem in the UK .

Definitely not true! Consider the following statistics:

• The NHS estimates that between three and six million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence

• 24% of older people in the UK suffer from incontinence

• Worldwide, 200 million people are estimated to be affected by incontinence

Myth # 2 Incontinence is an inevitable part of growing older.

There is a perception that incontinence will happen to all of us as we age. This is simply not true. Although urinary incontinence is more common in the elderly, it is often preventable or reversible. For this reason, anyone afflicted with incontinence, no matter their age, should consult their physician for advice and support.

Wondering why bladder weakness affects the elderly in greater numbers? There are many reasons, such as:

• Frequent or chronic constipation

• Dehydration

• Over hydration (drinking too much water)

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Prostate disorders (in men)

• Previous childbirth/hormonal changes (in women)

• Weakened bladder and pelvic muscles

• Changes in cognition (memory changes, Alzheimer’s)

Myth # 3 All incontinence is the same.

There are actually several different types of incontinence, with specific treatments for each. It is important to be aware of your symptoms and triggers so that your physician can make an accurate diagnosis as to what type of incontinence you have.

• Stress incontinence is the loss of small amounts of urine (often les than 50 ml) that occurs when stress is placed on the bladder, such as when you cough, sneeze, exercise, or even laugh. This type of incontinence is more common in women as a result of childbirth.

• Urge incontinence is urinary incontinence that occurs right after an overwhelming urge to void. People who suffer from this type may be unable to “make it to the washroom” in time. This type is common in older adults.

• Overflow incontinence is loss of urine that results when the bladder becomes over distended. In this form of incontinence, constant dribbling of urine may be the problem. Urge incontinence is often due to blockage somewhere in the urinary tract or dysfunction of the bladder muscles.

Mixed incontinence, as its name suggests, is a mixture of more than one type of incontinence (usually stress and urge types), while functional incontinence occurs in those whose only issue is that they cannot reach the toilet in time due to mental or physical problems.

Myth # 4 Treatment for incontinence always involves surgery.

You may be relieved to know that surgery is usually the last treatment tried to treat or cure incontinence. Knowledge regarding incontinence treatments is growing every year. This is why it is so important to consult your doctor if you experience incontinence, so that treatment can begin immediately. Urinary incontinence can often be successfully treated or cured using various treatments, therapies, and medications.

Myth # 5 Incontinence is a disease.

Urinary incontinence is not a disease in itself; it is a symptom of an underlying problem. Being incontinent is not a normal state and should prompt an evaluation for the underlying cause. Finding the cause often leads to a cure or an effective treatment.

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