Guest Editorial: The Condition No One is Talking About

Did you know 1 in 3 adult Americans is affected by incontinence but only 1 in 12 seek help? Or that incontinence is the number 2 reason people put their loved ones into assisted-living facilities? Are you aware women are 4 to 5 times more likely than men to experience incontinence; by 85 years of age, 90% of men will experience prostate issues that affect their bladders; 2% of all adults address bedwetting issues apart from frequency of nighttime voiding; and at least 1 out of 5 women copes with accidental bowel leakage (a form of fecal incontinence)? Then you also might not be aware nearly 50 million people in America are touched by incontinence, and basically no one is talking about it. 

Beyond the embarrassment, people say they don’t know who to talk to about the symptoms they are experiencing. Some say they consider bringing it up to their primary care physician or gynecologist, but there never seems to be enough time or the “right” moment to mention incontinence. If the patient doesn’t mention it, chances are the physician won’t either. Statistics suggest an average of 7 years will pass from the first signs of incontinence to the point where someone seeks help from a professional. These facts are particularly frustrating, considering incontinence can be treated successfully as much as 80% of the time.

The National Association for Continence (NAFC) is working to change this conundrum. For starters, we are trying to make it easier for anyone whose quality of life is compromised by incontinence to talk to a health care provider. The NAFC champions the fact incontinence is a byproduct of some of the most natural and human conditions: having a baby or carrying a bit too much weight or losing muscle tone through aging. Because incontinence is a symptom rather than a disease, the method of treatment depends on diagnostic results. Most treatment involves a combination of medicine, behavioral modification, pelvic muscle exercises, collection devices, and absorbent products, and as such, a variety of clinicians who can help educate patients and guide treatment choices. The NAFC exists to help people find the right health care provider and be prepared to discuss their personal experience with incontinence.

One way in particular the NAFC advocates for continence is to increase awareness of the important role the pelvic floor plays in bladder and bowel health. We hope to inspire women to take charge of their pelvic health by teaching them how to build strength through pelvic floor classes. The NAFC has an instruction program developed by physical therapists to empower women and spread the word incontinence is not something they should “just deal with.” As a clinician interested in health education, you can present a pelvic floor class. Is there a room within your local hospital you may be able to use or yoga studios or community centers willing to lend you some space? You may find many organizations welcome the publicity that comes with adding a new class to their schedule and attracting attendees. The NAFC has the materials to help you plan and present a Pelvic Floor Class.

We encourage clinicians to visit our website (www.nafc.org) to learn what people with all kinds of incontinence and related issues want and need to know and what you can do to help them get the information they need. Addressing incontinence starts with conversation.