Lose the Stigma About Incontinence: Even Young People Can be Affected
Dear Carol: I’m only 29, but I am incontinent and will probably remain like this unless there’s some medical miracle. Nerve injuries from an accident are what caused my problem, but I’ve met other younger people online and in support groups and they have the same complaint that I do. Practically everything that you read about adult incontinence refers to older people with prostate problems, or menopause, or dementia – or whatever. Young people would like to see this condition normalized to some extent. We are not less competent just because we need to use incontinence products. Can you please spread the word? – SL
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Dear SL: You have every right to feel left out of the incontinence discussions. I’m glad that you’ve found some support through groups, but we’d like you to know that we’ll also do our best to support you.
With that in mind, here's a brief report for readers on some of the more common reasons that young adults may live with incontinence. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but I think that people can get the message.
Structural problems in the urinary tract. Some of these issues can be fixed, but others can’t, so the person affected will need to look at basic elimination functions differently. These unique differences are often genetic.
Physical trauma such as an accident: We are aware that most adults using incontinence products are older, however we have had courageous readers remind us that they, too, can need them. Physical trauma is often the reason.
Disease: Any number of diseases can cause incontinence at any age, including diabetes. Sometimes incontinence is temporary, but often it is a life-change that people need to adjust to.
Emotional and mental trauma and illnesses: Trauma, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are examples.
Other issues: Hormone differences, constipation which can put pressure on the bladder, overactive bladder, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and very deep sleep can all cause incontinence concerns.
Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but it should give readers an idea that incontinence in young people is not as rare as most people would think.
Shining Light, I’d like to thank you for being actively involved in helping Egosan and others become more inclusive. There isn’t a person alive that doesn’t have something different about them.
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4 Responses
Jim sheets
At the age of 49 years old I fell off a ladder about 25 feet up on too a concrete floor, I have pelvic floor and nerve damage. I was put in diapers in the hospital and I’ve been in diapers every since. I don’t like catheters very uncomfortable for me and infections, as years went by the Less control I would have. After 20 years I have no control over my bladder and sometimes lose of my bowel control. They’ve determined after the first couple of years that I have pelvic floor and PERMEANT nerve damage. First couple of years I had a very hard time with having to wear diapers, but if I wanted any kind of a life it’s the way it had to be. Main thing for me was just finding something I could wear for 8 to 10 hours that wouldn’t leak and that were comfortable for me. Gradually over the years I’ve become comfortable with having to be in diapers. Most all my family and friends know that I’m Incotinate and have to wear. I realized years ago that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of and got over the DIAPER STIGMA years ago. You’ve got to be comfortable with it. Hardest thing for me is having a bowel movement in public, but in time you learn how to deal with it. Just remember there’s millions of us that are in the same situation. I’ve been in diapers for over 20 years, and comfortable with it now don’t really think anything of it, it’s my underwear.
Carol Bradley Bursack
Thank you for your comment. Egosan is always working to get rid of the stigma that people with incontinence must deal with.
If you’d like to share your story in order to help others, we’d love to hear more. You needn’t use your photo or full name – or real first name. We understand that this is hard, but if you are ever ready, please contact me via Ask Carol in the footer. Meanwhile, remember that there are many others who, like you, live with incontinence from a young age. We will continue to work to help.
Take care,
Carol
Anonymous
Thank your for a great article. I’m 22 living with incontinence having to use these products and it can be very discouraging something. But articles like these I feel can help so many not feel alone. Thanks
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Carol
April 07, 2023
You’ve had to do a lot of adjusting, Jim, but you’ve found that life goes on. Keep working to rid the world of this and other health-related stigmas!