Do you think that urinary incontinence is a normal part of the ageing process? Do you think that it’s inevitable and that it’s a natural reaction to our bodies as they 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. Nobody wants to openly talk about these issues, which leads to myths and incorrect information being passed around. In this blog, we’ll look at four of the most common incontinence myths so we can do our part to share the facts surrounding this diagnosis.
Myth: Urinary incontinence is a normal part of the aging process
The first myth we’ll look at we’ve already touched on. The myth ‘urinary incontinence is a normal part of the ageing process’ 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 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 don’t necessarily go hand in hand.
Myth: The easiest way to manage urinary incontinence symptoms is to wear pads or diapers
The next myth we’ll look at is ‘the easiest way to manage urinary incontinence symptoms is to wear pads or diapers’. This is definitely not true! 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’s big corporations that push disposables on people with these symptoms. There are other organizations out there, including us at ActivKare, that offer reusable, discreet, and environmentally friendly products that will help you control your symptoms without all the embarrassing and harmful side effects. 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. Do some research on reusable products like Contiform, Afex, and ActivGo that can help you eliminate the need for pads and diapers.
Myth: Surgery is the only way to fix urinary incontinence
The next myth we’ll look at is ‘surgery is the only way to fix urinary incontinence’. Because incontinence is something that is so personal, many people believe that invasive surgery is the only way to manage symptoms. This is not true! 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. We all know this is an embarrassing issue, but opting for surgery could make matters worse. Instead find non disposable products that can help you manage the issue without having to alter your body through surgery. 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: People with urinary incontinence should limit their water intake
The last myth we’ll look at is ‘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 normal amount of water that you normally do. Limiting or changing your water intake could 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, but eliminating water or limiting your consumption will harm your bladder leading to dehydration.
In conclusion, there are many incontinence myths that circulate that individuals start to believe because they’ve heard it a number of times over the years. It’s time we start breaking the stigma surrounding this issue, and start talking about the facts associated so anyone suffering can find relief. At ActivKare, we offer reusable, insurable, and eco-friendly products for both men and women that will help you get rid of those pesky disposable products, and into something comfortable and discreet. Don’t let incontinence and its symptoms stop you from living your best life, visit our website to browse our selection of products and find the perfect fit for you or a loved one. www.activkare.com