As many as 12 million Americans - a conservative estimate - have urinary incontinence, a problem that causes individuals to limit their normal activities and worry constantly about not being able to get to a bathroom on time.
Owing to their embarrassment, many hide their condition from loved ones and avoid seeking the help of medical professionals. Yet, treatment for incontinence is readily available and highly successful in most cases.
Are you schooled in the facts about this problem?
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Incontinence is an illness.
True
False
Incorrect. Incontinence is a symptom - a telltale sign that something is not functioning properly in the urinary tract.
Correct! Incontinence is a symptom - a telltale sign that something is not functioning properly in the urinary tract.
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Poor bladder control is a natural part of aging.
True
False
Incorrect. While more common among older people, incontinence is not natural and should never be ignored.
Correct! While more common among older people, incontinence is not natural and should never be ignored.
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Pregnancy can cause incontinence.
True
False
Correct! Increased pressure on the bladder as well as weakened stomach muscles can cause leakage. This is generally a temporary condition.
Incorrect. Increased pressure on the bladder as well as weakened stomach muscles can cause leakage. This is generally a temporary condition.
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The bladder is a muscle.
True
False
Correct! Shaped like a balloon, the bladder inflates when urine collects and deflates when it empties.
Incorrect. Shaped like a balloon, the bladder inflates when urine collects and deflates when it empties.
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Diet has little to do with incontinence.
True
False
Incorrect. Individuals who experience the problem are advised to avoid caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods and spicy foods.
Correct! Individuals who experience the problem are advised to avoid caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods and spicy foods.
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The sound of water flowing can cause some people to urinate spontaneously.
True
False
Correct! This is called urge incontinence.
Incorrect. This is called urge incontinence.
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There are few options when it comes to testing for the cause of incontinence.
True
False
Incorrect. Today, specialists have procedures and devices that can readily detect abnormalities in the urinary tract.
Correct! Today, specialists have procedures and devices that can readily detect abnormalities in the urinary tract.
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For the incontinent person, sneezing can cause an "accident."
True
False
Correct! Coughing or lifting heavy objects can cause the same stress affect on bladder muscles.
Incorrect. Coughing or lifting heavy objects can cause the same stress affect on bladder muscles.
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Arthritis can be a factor in cases of incontinence.
True
False
Correct! Loss of the ability to move quickly or inflexibility of hands and fingers in opening buttons or zippers - rather than a urinary tract problem - may be the reason a person is incontinent.
Incorrect. Loss of the ability to move quickly or inflexibility of hands and fingers in opening buttons or zippers - rather than a urinary tract problem - may be the reason a person is incontinent.
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Treatment frequently involves surgery.
True
False
Incorrect. Treatment options vary, but for many patients, exercises and medications can eliminate or greatly improve bladder control.
Correct! Treatment options vary, but for many patients, exercises and medications can eliminate or greatly improve bladder control.
For more information on women's health matters, any of the programs and services listed, or a referral to a Cedars-Sinai physician or program, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771)
