Incontinence. It’s a problem that affects approximately 13 million people in the United States alone and yet, no one seems to want to talk about it. While incontinence does more often affect older individuals, and women in particular, it’s an issue that can plague adults of any age.
Incontinence can range from mild to severe, impact your quality of life, and be emotionally distressing. But there’s no reason to be embarrassed if you’re dealing with urinary leakage. It’s simply a medical problem that requires the right solution. If you’re nervous about broaching the subject with your doctor, keep these tips below in mind to help start the conversation and get the care you need.
Remember that your doctor has seen this (and much more) before.
What many people don’t realize is that doctors have truly seen it all. You will not be the first person to see your doctor with incontinence problems and you certainly won’t be the last. It’s important to be open and honest about what you’re experiencing, how it’s affecting your life, and not to downplay your symptoms no matter how uncomfortable you may be. This is the quickest and most effective way to get started with the right treatment plan.
Be prepared with all of the relevant information you need to have a productive visit.
To help your doctor determine an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, you should be taking note of all of your symptoms and any noticeable associated patterns. Writing this information down can be extremely helpful, to ensure you don’t forget to mention anything at your appointment. Be prepared to answer some of the follow questions during your visit:
- When did your incontinence start?
- How often does leakage occur?
- How much do you typically leak?
- When do you experience leakage (at night, after a meal, etc.)?
- Are you experiencing bowel issues?
- What are your bathroom, eating, and drinking habits?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Your doctor isn’t the only one who’s allowed to ask questions about your incontinence. It’s a good idea to bring a list of your own questions to your appointment (it can be easy to forget them when you’re on the spot). You may want to ask about different types of incontinence, suspected causes, next steps and tests, lifestyle changes that can help, and recommended products. Also, if your doctor asks or tells you something you don’t understand during your visit, don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation.
At BEK Medical, we recognize incontinence for the major issue it is and know that it does not discriminate by age or gender. That’s why our incontinence supplies are conveniently available for purchase online and at our store locations in El Paso and Dallas, TX.
Order the incontinence products you need today and take back control of your life!
