A new survey found that one in 10 older men have experienced urinary incontinence — but half of those affected haven’t discussed it with their doctor.
In a recent double-blinded poll of 2,000 U.S. men aged 60 and older conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Boston Scientific, 11% of the men surveyed reported that they have experienced urinary incontinence.
However, 58% of those men have not discussed it with their doctor.
Of the 2,000 respondents, 72% have dismissed their health issues on at least one occasion, citing they feel like their issues are a normal part of aging or aren’t that serious, 20% have purposely avoided seeing their doctor despite a health concern and 13% said they’re embarrassed to speak about their health problems.
Despite the hesitancy to discuss it with their doctors, of the 11% who reported experiencing urinary incontinence, nearly two thirds (64%) said it has caused or continues to cause inconveniences in their life and one third (32%) said it has taken a toll on their mental health and overall confidence.
Two-thirds (65%) of the men who reported experiencing urinary incontinence believe there’s a stigma that surrounds the condition.
A majority of those same respondents believe the stigma would be significantly reduced if there was more education available from health care providers (56%) and increased public awareness (51%).
“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, Urology, at Boston Scientific. “We are on a mission to destigmatize urinary incontinence. We want to not only help men feel more comfortable talking to their doctors, but to also raise awareness of the treatment options available to help address this issue.”
The survey revealed that the men who have experienced urinary incontinence are aware of some treatment options and have tried various non-surgical methods to resolve it, including medications (46%), pads and diapers (43%), and lifestyle changes (29%).
They also indicated awareness of some lesser-known incontinence treatments such as physical therapy (17%) and artificial urinary sphincters (13%).
More than half of the men who have experienced incontinence (59%) said they’d consider surgical treatment if it were proven to be long-lasting and effective.
“Incontinence is not something men should feel they have to ‘just live with’ or hide from,” continued Dr. Morton. “There are several therapies available to treat male urinary incontinence, and an artificial urinary sphincter can be a long-lasting treatment option. We encourage those suffering with incontinence to talk to their doctor about what’s appropriate for them.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American men aged 60 and above. The survey was commissioned by Boston Scientific and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 2024.
