Do you think that urinary incontinence is a normal part of the aging process?

Do you think that it’s inevitable and that it’s a natural reaction our bodies go through as we progress in age?

If you said yes, then you’d be incorrect! 

This is just one of the many common myths associated with incontinence that people confuse as facts. False information is spread every day, especially when it’s about something that has a stigma attached to it. 

Let’s look at four of the most common incontinence myths so we can do our part to share the facts surrounding this diagnosis.

Myth #1: Urinary incontinence is a normal part of the aging process

This is the most popular myth associated with incontinence. Age and health are of course contributing factors, but no one develops urinary incontinence because of these factors alone. 

Even young people can develop incontinence if their habits revolve around certain sports or physical activity. This myth is dangerous for people dealing with incontinence because it makes them feel as if they don’t need help and that it happens to everyone. This is most definitely not true!

Although age can weaken the muscles associated with incontinence, a poll conducted by the National Poll on Healthy Aging reports that only half of women aged 50-80 are experiencing incontinence. This goes to show that age and incontinence do not necessarily go hand in hand.

Myth #2: The easiest way to manage urinary incontinence symptoms is to wear pads or diapers

Too often, people assume that there aren’t any products or treatments available for incontinence. Adult diapers and pads are some of the first products that come up when searching incontinence, but that’s because there are big corporations that push disposables on people with these symptoms. 

There are a few downsides to using diapers and pads, especially in the long-term. They harm the environment because of waste and production, they can cause skin irritations that can leave you feeling even more uncomfortable, and they’re less than discreet, making disposing of them in public places an embarrassing issue. 

There are organizations that offer reusable, discreet, and environmentally friendly products that will help you control your symptoms without all the embarrassing and harmful side effects. 

Myth #3: Surgery is the only way to fix urinary incontinence

Surgery for incontinence can be successful depending on factors, but for others, it can cause side effects that make your incontinence worse or come back over time. There’s no guarantee that surgery is the be-all-end-all of your symptoms.

At ActivKare, we offer reusable and discreet products that can help you manage your symptoms while also letting you continue living the lifestyle that you did before you started experiencing leakage.

Such products can help you manage the issue without having to surgically alter your body. Another great way to naturally improve incontinence symptoms is to start doing pelvic floor exercises. Kegels and the bridge are exercises you can start doing at home to strengthen your pelvic muscles, helping to control symptoms of incontinence. 

Myth #4: People with urinary incontinence should limit their water intake

People assume that their water intake is directly correlated with their incontinence and that it contributes to the severity of it day by day. This is not true! 

Unless you’ve received specific instructions from a healthcare professional or specialist, you should continue to drink the amount of water that you normally do. Limiting or changing your water intake could, in fact, make your incontinence worse. 

The less water you intake, the more concentrated your urine becomes, which can irritate your bladder and make symptoms feel like they’ve worsened. Maintaining a healthy intake of water and limiting other liquids like alcohol, coffee, or carbonated drinks will help your bladder. Eliminating water or limiting your consumption will harm your bladder, leading to dehydration. 

 

It’s time we start breaking the stigma surrounding incontinence and start talking about the facts.

Don’t let incontinence and its symptoms stop you from living your best life.

Visit Activkare to learn how we can help.