SWNS – A new study found one in 10 older men have urinary incontinence — but half of those enduring it haven’t told their doctor.
The recent U.S. poll of 2,000 men aged 60 and older found 91% of men, overall, feel comfortable talking about their health with their doctor. And 87% with urinary incontinence are comfortable discussing it with their doctor, as well.
However, 58% who experience urinary incontinence have never actually talked about it with their doctor. A fifth of men, overall, have purposely avoided seeing their doctor despite a health concern.
A fifth of men, overall, have purposely avoided seeing their doctor despite a health concern.
According to the survey commissioned by Boston Scientific and conducted by Talker Research, a further 72% have dismissed their health issues on at least one occasion, citing they feel like their issues are “a normal part of aging” (50%) or aren’t that serious (42%).
Many frequently avoid talking to their doctor about those same health issues — including erectile dysfunction (28%), sleeping problems (21%) and joint issues (19%).
And 11% have also avoided talking about urinary incontinence — 13% said they’re embarrassed to speak about their health problems.
Nearly two in three (64%) of men with urinary incontinence said it has caused and continues to cause inconveniences in their lives.
A new study found one in 10 older men have urinary incontinence â but half of those enduring it haven’t told their doctor.
A majority said they experience it “at least daily” (59%). Twenty-one percent said they even experience it multiple times per day. Of them, 59% would consider surgical treatment if it was proven to be long-lasting and effective.
A third (32%) also found urinary incontinence has taken a toll on their mental health and overall confidence.
“It’s important for men to take their health seriously and open up to their doctor, especially as they age,” said Dr. Ron Morton, chief medical officer of urology at Boston Scientific …
