Four Urinary Incontinence Myths and Truths Behind Each

Posted on July 29th, by Mark Winter in Incontinence, Pleasanton Senior Care, Senior Health. No Comments

Discover the facts behind these four common urinary incontinence myths.

Urinary incontinence can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing topic of conversation for those who are impacted by it. The stigma behind incontinence often contributes to either a lack of factual information, or a belief in some common misunderstandings and myths. The following are some incontinence untruths, and the facts to go with them:

Myth: Urinary incontinence is a normal part of aging.
Truth: Although growing older does increase our risk for incontinence, many older adults are able to maintain normal bladder functioning, so it should certainly never be regarded as an inevitable part of the aging process.

Myth: There’s no treatment for urinary incontinence in seniors.
Truth: In many cases, this is simply not true. There are ways that urinary incontinence can be treated with success.

Myth: Drinking as little water as possible will lower the likelihood of incontinence.
Truth: Seniors often limit their fluid intake in the erroneous belief that drinking less will reduce the extent of their urinary incontinence. However, reducing fluid intake leads to more concentrated urine, which irritates the bladder and makes the problem worse. Drinking plenty of water helps to maintain a normal bladder capacity and functionality.

Myth: Urinary incontinence is rarely a problem for men.
Truth: Men are less likely to talk about urinary incontinence with family members or doctors, and so are less apt to be diagnosed with the problem. However, per NAFC estimates, as many as 20% to 25% of Americans with urinary incontinence are men.

If a senior loved one is struggling with urinary incontinence, make sure the person receives a full exam from the doctor to rule out any underlying issues. Hired Hands Homecare, providers of home care in Santa Rosa, CA and the surrounding area, can help your loved one manage the symptoms of incontinence in a compassionate and discreet way. Call us at (866) 940-4343 or contact us online for more information about how our home care services can help, and to find out if our services are available in your area.