Urinary Incontinence Quick Facts

• Incontinence means the bladder is unable to hold urine for as long as needed until it can be released voluntarily. 
• Incontinence is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of some other problem.  Some of those problems can be serious.  That is why it is important to take incontinence seriously and talk to your doctor about it.
• Embarrassment often keeps people from telling their doctor about their incontinence problems.  Embarrassment is not good for your health.
• $15 billion are spent on incontinence products each year. Only 1% of that money is spent on medical evaluation and treatment.
• About 30% of American women have incontinence problems.
• Although incontinence is more common in older people, it is not a normal part of aging and it can be improved or cured.
• Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles may be an effective treatment for incontinence when done correctly.