Incontinence is incredibly common, but it is not very common or those who suffer from this medical problem to tell their doctor about it or to get help of any kind. There are a number of reasons why this happens, but it generally boils down to their embarrassment about the issue. They may not want to talk about their problems or go out in public and buy incontinence products.
It’s understandable that it would be a sensitive subject for a lot of people, but when you look at the numbers, it is really astounding how often this problem goes untreated. The US organization National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse estimates that about 60% of all those who suffer from incontinence not only do nothing to treat the condition but also do not seek out medical help for it. That’s an incredible statistic, and it is only an estimate. The actual numbers could be even higher.
This stigma surrounding incontinence as an embarrassing medical problem often keeps people from saying anything to anyone about it, even the most trusted medical experts in their life. They may be afraid of what people will think of them or how their life is going change after they have been diagnosed. They may feel like less of a person after a diagnosis has been applied to them, and they simply don’t want to face that.
The problem with not getting treatment for this problem is that it often does not resolve on its own. Yes, there are times where the incontinence lasts for only a few days, but in many cases, it will continue for the rest of the person’s life, if they are not treated.
What’s so amazing about the facts we have already covered is that incontinence can often be cured. At the very least, it can be treated successfully to where the sufferer can live an almost normal life. That person may only have to make small changes to their diet, exercise regimen or apparel in order to accommodate the treatment. They could see an improvement in as little as a few weeks with these changes, suffering from instances of leakage far less frequently.
Being treated for incontinence does not have to mean that your life will change drastically. It may take some getting used to in order to make room for the treatment and to deal with the condition, but it is certainly better than the alternative. Not treating the problem can make it worse and can lead to even more embarrassing situations.
To give you an idea of how non-invasive treatment for incontinence can be, many people who are diagnosed with this condition take some medication and do a few exercises each week, while wearing incontinence pads that are not evident under their clothes. Only their doctor and whoever they choose to tell is any wiser that they are dealing with this condition. There are a number of different causes for incontinence, and in order to effectively treat it, whether through one of the methods we just mentioned or something else, you need to be properly diagnosed.
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