Dispelling Myths on Incontinence

A leading urologist says two common myths about female incontinence -- that it's a natural result of aging and that only surgery can help -- should be dispelled.

The urinary disorder, affecting as many as 30 percent of women beyond the age of 60, is now treatable through a variety of medical options, says Dr. Karl Luber, head of Kaiser Permanente's Female Incontinence Program in San Diego.

"We see women who have become so disabled by urinary incontinence that they're afraid to visit relatives or attend religious services," Luber says, adding the "incidence of depression among women suffering incontinence is twice the rate for women in the general population."

Luber says some optional treatment for incontinence may include:

--Behavioral techniques: "retraining" the bladder by urinating on a set schedule and exercises which include locating and squeezing pelvic floor muscles to offset stress incontinence.

--Biofeedback: enabling patients to achieve better control of pelvic floor muscles and medication to reduce abnormal bladder contractions.

"Over the last 10 years there has been a general shift in attitude among physicians caring for women with incontinence," Luber says. "Women have more choices and are more involved in the decision making process when it comes to their own care."