where do i start?
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Receive custom tools to help you manage your condition and get the latest in bladder and bowel health from NAFC!
What To Do When You First Realize You Have Incontinence
Having incontinence can be embarrassing, but there are things that you can do to improve your condition. If you’ve just realized you have incontinence, first understand that you’re not the only one– over 25 million Americans suffer from incontinence. You are not alone. Second, know that this is exactly the place you should be. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you on your road to a solution. Review the links below to start taking charge of your incontinence:
RELATED ARTICLES
Ask The Doc: Medication Alternatives
Gloria Kolb from Elitone Urge explains other treatment solutions
How To Talk To Your Partner About Incontinence
If your partner is experiencing incontinence, you might suddenly feel like you are in uncharted territory. Incontinence is both a physical condition and a lifestyle change.
Intellectually, we understand that incontinence is a medical condition outside of our control. Emotionally, however, it’s a different story. Losing the ability to fully control our bladder and bowels – a skill gained in early childhood – can bring with it intense feelings of shame, embarrassment, anger and denial. For those in a partnership, incontinence also brings fear of loss of sexual attraction, and sometimes fear of diminished affection.
The Financial Impact of Incontinence: Costs You May Not See
Incontinence is often discussed in terms of symptoms and quality of life but for many people, it also brings a steady (and sometimes surprising) financial burden. Beyond the obvious cost of pads, protective underwear, and skin-care products, there can be added expenses from laundry, missed work, caregiving needs, and medical visits. The good news: understanding where the costs come from is the first step toward reducing them—and getting the right treatment can be a cost-saver, not just a health improvement.
Voices Of Incontinence Personal Story: Acceptance Is The Key
This story is a part of the National Association For Continence’s “Voices Of Incontinence” campaign, which shows, in patient’s own words, what it’s like to