Urinary Incontinence is NOT an inevitable consequence of getting old, having had children, or a disability!

It is defined by the International Continence Society as ‘the complaint of any involuntary loss of urine’.

Some people may experience urinary incontinence for no apparent reason. It is important that whatever your situation, you seek professional help.

Don’t despair! A lot can be done to manage, improve and often cure continence issues.

You are not alone:

• 4 -7% women <60 and 4 – 17% of women >60 experience daily episodes of urinary incontinence
  (Hunskaar et al, 2005)
• 21% of 85-year-olds have severe of profound urinary incontinence
  (Collerton et al, 2009)
• 1 – 10% of adults are affected by faecal incontinence and nearly 2/3 of those also have urinary incontinence
  (NICE, 2014)
• The NHS estimates that between 3 and 6 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence.
• Only 1:5 women affected seek help for incontinence issues.
• Over 10% of men >65 have urinary incontinence to some degree.

Unfortunately, urinary incontinence remains a bit of a taboo subject. The embarrassment associated with the condition often means people do not seek help. But help is available!

Across the UK there are specialist teams of Healthcare Professionals who specialise in this area and make up local Continence Advisory Services.

• Ask your GP to refer you.
• Contact Bladder & Bowel UK for up-to-date information on products and services
• Get involved in Forums on support groups.
• To learn more please visit our Useful Links page for various support groups.