Half of older men who struggle with urinary incontinence never mention it to their doctor, quietly carrying an avoidable burden that shapes—and sometimes shrinks—their world.
Story Snapshot
- One in ten men over 60 experience urinary incontinence, yet half remain silent about it.
- Stigma and the misconception that incontinence is “just aging” keep men from seeking help.
- New treatment options exist, but underreporting means many men miss relief and better quality of life.
- Healthcare leaders call for a cultural shift to address this silent epidemic among older men.
Older Men and the Unspoken Strain of Urinary Incontinence
Men over 60 are quietly contending with urinary incontinence, but most will never raise the subject in a doctor’s office. When researchers polled 2,000 men in this age group, they found that one in ten reported symptoms, yet half had never discussed it with a healthcare provider. This silence doesn’t stem from ignorance; many participants claimed comfort discussing health in general. The real barrier is the powerful blend of stigma and resignation—the belief that leaking urine is simply a badge of age, not a treatable condition.
Many men rationalize their symptoms, chalking them up to “normal aging.” This normalization, reinforced by cultural expectations about masculinity and stoicism, means that men resist seeking help until symptoms interfere with daily life. The reluctance is compounded by a lack of awareness: many don’t know that effective treatments, including therapies and simple medical devices, can restore dignity and control. By equating incontinence with aging, older men accept unnecessary limits on their lives—social withdrawal, anxiety, and even depression. The cost is both personal and societal, as untreated incontinence drives up healthcare expenses and strains relationships.
Healthcare’s Role in Destigmatizing Incontinence
Boston Scientific, a medical device company, commissioned the poll to shine a light on this underreported issue. Dr. Ron Morton, chief medical officer for urology at Boston Scientific, has become a vocal advocate for breaking the silence. He urges men and their families to recognize that urinary incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging but a medical issue with real solutions. His message is clear: the first step to regaining quality of life is an honest conversation with a healthcare professional. Healthcare providers are likewise encouraged to ask direct questions about urinary symptoms during annual checkups, reducing the burden on men to broach the topic themselves.
Efforts to change the conversation are gaining momentum. Campaigns like the UK’s “BOG STANDARD” and outreach programs by advocacy groups aim to educate men that incontinence is not a weakness or a character flaw. These initiatives highlight new treatments, from pelvic floor therapy to minimally invasive procedures, that can dramatically improve comfort and confidence. As men become more aware of options, the hope is that fewer will suffer in silence and more will reclaim active, fulfilling lives.
Economic, Emotional, and Social Costs of Silence
The consequences of unaddressed urinary incontinence ripple far beyond the individual. The financial toll on the healthcare system is significant, with billions spent annually on complications, supplies, and secondary health issues. Socially, men who conceal their symptoms may avoid travel, intimacy, or even simple outings, shrinking their social circles and increasing isolation. These patterns contribute to higher rates of depression and a diminished sense of self-worth—outcomes that could be avoided with early intervention and support.
Experts argue that the coming years will see a surge in demand for male incontinence treatments, fueled by both the aging population and slowly shifting attitudes. The industry is responding, with investment in new technologies and broader insurance coverage. Yet, without a cultural change that normalizes discussion and destigmatizes help-seeking, many men will continue to suffer needlessly. Families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals all have a role to play in encouraging open dialogue and challenging the myths that keep men silent.
Sources:
US Pharmacist: Urinary Incontinence in Men
NIH: Prevalence and Risk Factors of Urinary Incontinence
