Since then the guideline has become the standard of care for incontinence in many settings across the country. This update of the guideline reflects new findings in the rapidly changing field of treatment for urinary incontinence. The results of this research show that incontinence can be improved, and in some cases, even cured. Anecdotal evidence shows that long-term care facilities that have adopted the guideline have improved the quality of life of their patients and saved money at the same time. Although about half of the elderly have episodes of incontinence, bladder problems are not a natural consequence of aging, and they are not exclusively a problem of the elderly.
Incontinence has several causes.
Women are most likely to develop incontinence either during pregnancy and childbirth, or after the hormonal changes of menopause, because of weakened pelvic muscles. Older men can become incontinent as the result of prostate surgery. But even though urinary incontinence can be improved in 8 out of 10 cases, fewer than half of those with bladder problems ever discuss the condition with their health care professional. The condition often goes untreated. Stress incontinence happens when the bladder can't handle the increased compression during exercise, coughing, or sneezing.