NIH Radio
State-of-the-Science Conference: Fecal and Urinary Incontinence
Brief Description:
Many people with fecal and urinary incontinence find themselves embarrassed of their conditions causing unreported and untreated individuals.
Transcript:
Akinso: Many people with fecal and urinary incontinence find themselves embarrassed of their conditions causing unreported and untreated individuals. Though treatments are available, developing prevention strategies and identifying risk factors has been challenging for healthcare professionals. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Office of Medical Applications of Research held a State of the Science Conference which explored what is known and what has been discovered about both fecal and urinary incontinence. Dr. Seth Landefeld, Conference Chairperson, discusses the panel's conclusions.
Landefeld: Fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence may have serious effects on the lives of many individuals who suffer physical discomfort, embarrassment stigma and social isolation and on family members, caregivers and society. As we thought on the panel about things that may especially effective in preventing urinary incontinence we identified a few. First, we noted the importance of exercise and weight loss on the general population level. Second we identified a particular procedure episiotomy which occurs in 1 million childbearing women every year that is associated with a higher rate fecal incontinence and has no established benefit. The routine use of this procedure should be seriously reconsidered. Finally we identified other preventive maneuvers often specific exercises related to the pelvic floor and possibly other exercises that may well be beneficial. These beneficial preventive approaches should be implemented but there's much need for the development of other preventive maneuvers.
Akinso: According to Dr. Landefeld as baby boomers approach their 60s, the incidence and public health burden of incontinence are likely to increase. He added that if you have fecal and urinary incontinence don't be embarrassed and please see the doctor. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda Maryland.
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