Edit Content
Search
[give_form id="19690"]

Ask The Doc: Is Urinary Incontinence A Normal Part Of Aging?

QUESTION: IS URINARY INCONTINENCE A NORMAL PART OF AGING?

Answer: We get this question all the time, and suspect that many people believe this, even though it’s not really true. Here are the facts to know if the Urinary Incontinence A Normal Part Of Aging:

While incontinence should never be considered a normal occurrence, our chances of getting it do increase as we get older. Certain life events (childbirth, for example) can cause the muscles and tissues to weaken, and, over time can result in the inability to control our bladder, leading to urinary incontinence. Other conditions can also play a role – neurological conditions such as MS or Parkinson’s Disease, being overweight, or prostate problems in men can all contribute to bladder leakage.

So, in a way, yes, as you get older, you may be more likely to experience urinary incontinence, but it’s typically a symptom of something else. And it most certainly can be treated. Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise (especially performing moves that increase the strength of the pelvic floor) can do wonders in improving symptoms of incontinence. And, if that doesn’t work, medications, minimally invasive procedures (like Botox injections or InterStim), or even surgery are all options for treating the issue.

The most important thing to take away is that having bladder leakage is not a lost cause, and it most certainly should not be considered “normal”. If you live with this symptom, find a doctor and talk about your options. Life’s too short to live with a condition that has so many options for treatment.

Need help finding a doctor? Use our doctor finder tool!

Are you an expert in incontinence care? Would you like to join the NAFC expert panel? Have a question you’d like answered? Contact us!

Comments

One Response

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Podcast-Webpage-Image-Michelle-Mongillo-First-Quality-Caregiving

How to be an effective caregiver for your loved one – and for yourself

Caregiving for someone with incontinence can be challenging, demanding and frustrating at times – but it can also be an expression of love and an opportunity to strengthen a bond with someone you care deeply about. Today’s guest is Michelle Mongillo from First Quality, who recently authored Caring with Dignity: A Caregiver’s Guide to Incontinence.

It’s a fantastic resource to help those looking after a patient with bladder or bowel issues, but it’s also a remarkable introduction for those dealing with these conditions themselves.