Facing Facts About Urinary Incontinence

Myth: There's nothing that can be done about it.
Fact: There's a lot that can be done. In the majority of cases, continence can be restored or improved with behavioral techniques, devices, drugs, or surgery.

Myth: Incontinence is a normal consequence of aging.
Fact: Incontinence is never normal at any age, according to Neil Resnick, M.D., chief of gerontology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. Age-related changes in the lower urinary tract may make older people more likely to experience incontinence, but for most older people, even the very old and frail, incontinence can be treated successfully.

Myth: The only successful treatment is surgery.
Fact: The majority of patients can be helped with other treatments.

Myth: Incontinence is inevitable for women who have given birth.
Fact: Giving birth can injure or weaken the pelvic region, but that doesn't mean incontinence is inevitable. Exercises often help.

Myth: A little leakage sometimes, such as during a sneeze or cough, is no big deal. It's not worth telling the doctor about.
Fact: If urinary leakage is troubling at all, it's worth mentioning to the doctor. People can learn to manage the problem--or be free of it altogether.