Urinary incontinence. Why people do not seek help.

Some of the most frequently cited reasons for not seeking treatment for urinary incontinence are a belief that incontinence is a normal part of aging; a belief that incontinence is a normal sequelae of childbirth; and a lack of knowledge about existing treatment. There is often a lack of knowledge concerning urinary incontinence and its treatment on the part of health-care providers. Some of the methods available to treat urinary incontinence are pelvic floor muscle exercises, medications, and biofeedback. To overcome the barriers to seeking treatment for incontinence, healthcare providers should ask direct questions about urinary incontinence as part of the routine history and physical examination.