Many people suffer from urinary incontinence – the involuntary loss of urine. People of all ages may lose control of their bladder. One in five older men and about one–half of women will experience urine control problems during their lifetime.

Many believe that urinary incontinence is a result of normal aging or childbirth, that loss of bladder control is inevitable and irreversible. The truth is, most cases of urinary incontinence are treatable. People with urinary incontinence are unable to stop the accidental flow of urine. Loss of bladder control, or urine leakage, are common terms to describe urinary incontinence.

Common types of urinary incontinence include:

• Stress Incontinence is leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. This usually means that the urinary valve muscle is weak. Urge Incontinence is a sudden, urgent need to urinate, with leakage before you reach the toilet. This usually means the bladder muscle is overactive. Men with prostate problems, or who have had prostate surgery may be affected.
• Most people with urinary incontinence wait over a year before they talk to a doctor about their problem. They often withdraw from social or recreational activities due to embarrassment. You’re not too old or too young to be helped. Urine leakage is not natural just because you had children, or prostate surgery. Though you may have waited to discuss your problem with your doctor, it is not too late for you to seek help.