Men over 60 often dismiss health issues as normal aging: poll

A new study found one in 10 older men have urinary incontinence — but half of those enduring it haven’t told their doctor.

The recent U.S. poll of 2,000 men aged 60 and older found 91% of men, overall, feel comfortable talking about their health with their doctor. And 87% with urinary incontinence are comfortable discussing it with their doctor, as well.

However, 58% who experience urinary incontinence have never actually talked about it with their doctor. A fifth of men, overall, have purposely avoided seeing their doctor despite a health concern. 

According to the survey commissioned by Boston Scientific and conducted by Talker Research, a further 72% have dismissed their health issues on at least one occasion, citing they feel like their issues are “a normal part of aging” (50%) or aren’t that serious (42%).

Many frequently avoid talking to their doctor about those same health issues — including erectile dysfunction (28%), sleeping problems (21%) and joint issues (19%). 

And 11% have also avoided talking about urinary incontinence — 13% said they’re embarrassed to speak about their health problems. 

Nearly two in three (64%) of men with urinary incontinence said it has caused and continues to cause inconveniences in their lives.

A majority said they experience it “at least daily” (59%). Twenty-one percent said they even experience it multiple times per day. Of them, 59% would consider surgical treatment if it was proven to be long-lasting and effective.

A third (32%) also found urinary incontinence has taken a toll on their mental health and overall confidence. 

“It’s important for men to take their health seriously and open up to their doctor, especially as they age,” said Dr. Ron Morton, chief medical officer of urology at Boston Scientific. “We are on a mission to destigmatize urinary incontinence. We want to not only help men feel more comfortable talking to their doctors, but to also raise awareness of the treatment options available to help address this issue.”

The study revealed many men who suffer from urinary incontinence have tried multiple treatment methods to resolve it, including medications (46%), pads and diapers (43%) and lifestyle changes (29%).

Likewise, men said they were already aware of those same treatment methods. Some lesser-known treatments that could also be recommended to combat the effects include physical therapy (17%) and artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) (13%).

A fifth (22%) said they don’t feel properly informed about urinary incontinence treatments for themselves, and two-thirds (65%) believe there’s a stigma that surrounds them for the condition. A majority believe the stigma would be significantly reduced if there was just more education available from health care providers (56%) and increased public awareness (51%).

“Incontinence is not something men should feel they have to ‘just live with’ or hide from,” continued Dr. Morton. “There are several therapies available to treat male urinary incontinence, and an artificial urinary sphincter can be a long-lasting treatment option. We encourage those suffering with incontinence to talk to their doctor about what’s appropriate for them.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American men, aged 60 and above; the survey was commissioned by Boston Scientific and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 2024