Incontinence: defining the problem

As this issue of Rhode Island Medicine demonstrates, incontinence is felt within all segments of society. No practitioners are insulated from patients suffering from this condition. Often, the suffering is silent for many reasons. Patients may have been conditioned to believe that theirs is a situation that is best left alone, and one that they should accept. If they overcome this hurdle, then they must be willing to address the problem with their physicians. This is obviously assisted if the subject matter is broached by the caregiver rather than relying on the patient to come forth regarding a socially compromising matter. Therefore, physicians need to be aware of the problems of incontinence, familiar with the various modes of therapy, and willing to take on these issues with their patients with compassion and understanding. In this way can we address the full needs of our patients regarding a problem long ignored but easily diagnosed and treatable.