Lifestyle solutions for men with continence problems

The prevalence of urinary incontinence in men is over one in 33 in those aged 15-64, and is estimated to be between one in 10 and one in 14 in men aged 65 and over (Department of Health, 2000). It is estimated that faecal incontinence affects one per cent of adults in their own home, with 17 per cent of the very elderly reporting symptoms (DoH, 2000). In many cases, incontinence can be successfully treated following assessment and appropriate management, but when continence cannot be achieved, containment products should be introduced. Men with continence problems often take many years to overcome their embarrassment and to seek help for bladder or bowel problems.