Some people have normal bladder function and control, but they are not able to move easily to get to the bathroom. Problems such as severe arthritis can lead to urinary incontinence because the person moves too slowly to get to the bathroom in time.
Urinary incontinence affects approximately 13 million people in the United States and is more common in women than in men. It occurs in 10% to 25% of women younger than age 65 and in 15% to 30% of women older than age 60 who do not live in nursing homes. Among nursing home residents, incontinence is even more common, affecting more than 50% of female patients.
Symptoms
The main symptom of urinary incontinence is leakage of urine. This leakage can be frequent or rare, and it can be a soaking or a small squirt. Urge incontinence can cause episodes of leakage during sleep.
If your urine leakage is accompanied by pain during urination, pink, red or dark discoloration of your urine, odor of your urine, abdominal or back pain, or frequent urinating, it is likely that a urinary infection is the cause.
