Good question. At first glance, it sounds like a very easy question, but in fact experts discussed this very issue for a week at a National Institutes of Health State of the Science Conference for the Prevention of Urinary and Fecal Incontinence.

Interestingly, we find that whether or not someone identifies as having a problem with incontinence has a lot to do with how they are asked the question. For example, if asked, "Do you ever experience incontinence?" many people will say no, but when the same people are asked, "Do you ever wear a protective pad for the leakage of urine?" the answer often changes to yes.

There are several reasons for this difference. Many people hear the word "incontinence" and assume we're talking about complete loss of bladder control at all times. They think, that's not me. Or, people may understand that they are experiencing incontinence, but when asked in a way that stigmatizes them, they decide not to reveal the problem.

I discussed this question in more detail recently. Check out that post: "Do I Have Incontinence?" for more information. Thanks.