Condition
Urinary Incontinence
A Common and Treatable Condition
Overview
3x
The rate at which urinary incontinence increases from age 45 to over 80
423M
Number of people over the age of 20 that experience urinary incontinence worldwide
12%
The increase in urinary incontinence among women since 2004
In plain language
Urinary incontinence is a condition characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine. It can significantly impact quality of life, causing embarrassment, social isolation, and sleep disturbances. While it can affect people of all ages, it is particularly common among older adults, especially women.
Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, is a common issue among older adults. It can range from occasional leaks when coughing or sneezing to more urgent, uncontrollable urges to urinate.
There are several types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress incontinence: Occurs when pressure on the bladder causes leakage, such as during sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
- Urge incontinence: Involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.
- Overflow incontinence: The bladder doesn't empty completely, leading to dribbling.
- Functional incontinence: A physical or mental impairment prevents timely bathroom use.
Urinary incontinence can have physical and emotional effects, impacting confidence, social life, and sleep quality. Understanding the type of incontinence can help guide appropriate treatment and coping strategies.
Key Information
Review the most relevant symptoms, risk factors, and common care approaches in one place.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of urinary incontinence, including:
Age: The risk of urinary incontinence increases with age.
Gender: Women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence than men.
Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles.
Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders can contribute to incontinence.
Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics and sedatives, can worsen incontinence.
Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
Symptoms
The symptoms of urinary incontinence vary depending on the type of incontinence. Common symptoms include:
Accidental urine leakage: Involuntary loss of urine.
Frequent urination: The need to urinate more often than usual.
Urgent urination: A sudden, intense urge to urinate.
Nocturia: Waking up frequently at night to urinate.
Coping Strategies
Treatments That May Help
Start with the options that have more supporting research and then review the details with your care team.
Take the next step
Discover evidence-based treatments and research for urinary incontinence.