Urinary incontinence is the inability to hold urine leading to involuntary loss of urine. The urine loss can range from slight leakage to severe frequent wetting. It affects 15% or more of US women 30% to 60% of middle-aged and older women experience some degree of urinary leakage. Urinary incontinence is more common in women than in men.
More than half of women who have symptoms do not seek medical care. These women may not consider leakage to be a problem or rely on absorbent pads or changes in lifestyle to deal with the problem. Some women have the false belief that loss of bladder control is a normal part of aging. They think nothing can be done to correct it, but often it can be treated. Patients presenting for an annual examination or unrelated complaints are often reluctant to discuss bothersome urinary incontinence unless asked directly. Others may feel ashamed or depressed, they may even avoid social or work events. Pads are not your only option!
There are 5 basic types of Urinary Incontinence:
