QUESTION: MY HUSBAND OF 47 YEARS HAS RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING INCONTINENT EPISODES. HE’S A VERY PROUD MAN AND DOESN’T WANT TO ADMIT THEM TO ME, BUT IT’S STARTING TO BECOME A PROBLEM DUE TO THE INCREASED LAUNDRY, SMELL, AND HIS OVERALL DEPRESSED ATTITUDE ABOUT IT. HOW CAN I GET HIM TO OPEN UP AND TALK WITH ME ABOUT IT?
Answer: This is a common problem in marriages, especially pertaining to men. Most men don’t want to admit they have a problem with bladder control. They feel ashamed, and hate the idea of wearing protection. He may never come out and admit it to you on his own, so here are some tips to broach the subject with him:
MAKE HIM FEEL COMFORTABLE.
As you’ve already figured out, incontinence is a very uncomfortable subject for your husband. Make him feel at ease and approach him about his bladder leakage in a way that is not threatening or accusatory. Find some neutral territory and talk to him at a time when he feels good. Don’t try to broach this subject right after he’s had an accident. That will only make him feel more embarrassed and ashamed.
SHOW HIM THAT YOU ARE UNDERSTANDING AND WANT TO HELP HIM WITH HIS BLADDER LEAKAGE.
Before you talk with him, do a little research on incontinence and learn what may be causing the issue. Did he just have prostate surgery? Is there something else that has changed recently that could be contributing to his accidents? Read about the causes, and the many different treatment options and management strategies for bladder leakage. Show him that there are ways to manage the condition and that he doesn’t have to just live with it. Let him know that you care about him and want to help. Show him that you are a team so that he doesn’t feel so alone.
ENCOURAGE HIM TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR HIS INCONTINENCE.
Incontinence can often be a symptom of an underlying condition. Let your husband know that you want him to talk with a doctor to make sure that there is nothing serious going on, and to help him get the problem under control. He may be resistant to speaking with his doctor, but press on (slowly). The sooner he confronts his incontinence with a professional, the sooner he can begin treatment and start feeling like himself again. (Find a specialist in your area with our Specialist Locator.)
BE HIS ADVOCATE FOR CARE.
Because your husband is so embarrassed about his incontinence, you may need to be his voice when seeking out treatment options. Help him research incontinence so that you both can learn more about it. Write out questions that he can bring with him to the doctor’s office to ensure he doesn’t forget anything important. Be sure to voice any concerns over treatment options. And help him stay the course on his path to treatment.
INTRODUCE HIM TO THE NAFC MESSAGE BOARDS.
The NAFC message boards are a great place for your husband to explore and ask questions – anonymously! There are many people on the boards who may be experiencing the same things he is who he can talk to. Plus, with so many people dealing with incontinence in the same spot, there are lots of learnings and tips he may be able to pull from to help his own situation. (As an aside, the message boards may also be a great spot for you to do some research too. Talk with other caregivers to get some ideas. Or ask other men living with incontinence how you might be able to best approach your husband about the topic.)
It’s never easy talking about incontinence to a loved one – especially men. But by being a caring and supportive spouse, you’ll show your husband that you are in his corner and that you are there to help. Good luck!
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