Myth: Urinary incontinence, or leaking, is a normal part of aging for both men and women.
Busted! While leaking urine, whether it’s just a few drops or a large volume, is common, it is not normal. According to Dr. Kim Bryant, a Physical Therapist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders, one in four women have incontinence issues (and these can include both urinary and fecal incontinence). Men suffer from incontinence as well. These issues can be embarrassing to discuss, but according to Dr. Bryant, “the more we talk about it, the more we can help. Bowel and bladder control are normal bodily functions. Many times incontinence is simply because the muscles of the pelvic floor are weak.”
When other muscles in the body are weak, we strengthen them using exercises, often with the help of a Physical Therapist. The good news here is that incontinence may also be helped by strengthening pelvic floor muscles. Talk to your physician and seek the advice of a Physical Therapist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders.
See my full interview with Dr. Bryant, Incontinence, an Urgent Matter, where she discusses urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders, treatments that are available, and advice on what you can do to prevent or treat incontinence issues.