INCONTINENCE

The condition no-one talks about.

You cough, laugh too hard or walk too far. Then it hits you – the loss of bladder control!Urinary incontinence affects up to 37% of UK women and contrary to popular belief, it is not a problem exclusively related to aging.

It has been estimated that in the United Kingdom (UK) 9.6 million women are affected by bladder problems. An overactive bladder itself affects five million adults, nearly 1 in 5 of the over-40 population. Prevalence is estimated to be 15% among healthy older adults and 65% of old frail adults. It is twice as common in women than men. It can affect women of all ages including after childbirth. In a cross-sectional survey of adult females attending a primary care practice in the UK, nearly half had urinary incontinence but only a small minority sought help. Forty-two per cent of women affected wait up to 15 years before seeking treatment.