Home
Fact Sheet – Statistics for Bladder Problems
o Definition of urinary incontinence – the unintentional loss of urine
o Definition of overactive bladder (OAB) – urinary frequency (>8 micuritions/24 hours), with or without urge incontinence, in the absence of underlying pathology
o 1 in 4 adults suffers from bladder problems during their life (US Dept of Health & Human Services)
o 25+ million Americans have bladder problems
o 80% of those with urinary incontinence can get better
o 50% cure rate for stress incontinence with pelvic floor exercise and lifestyle changes (International Urogynecology Journal article)
o Several randomized controlled trials have shown that pelvic floor muscle training is effective for incontinence and is the recommended first-line treatment (International Urogynecology Journal article)
o Women suffer on average 6 years before seeking help
o 50% of people do not consult physician about their symptoms (Osterweil, 2005)
o "Fear that a surgical intervention was the only treatment available for incontinence was a reason for delayed treatment seeking." (Norton et al, Br Med Jr. 1988)
o Twice as many women are affected with incontinence as men
o As presented at the International Continence Society in 2007, one large study of 12,679 women in Norway found that 6 months post partum 21% of women still had incontinence regardless of method of birth. That's 1 in 5.
o Women and men are equally affected with overactive bladder; 1in 6 (around 16%) (World Journal of Urology; US Dept HHS)
o Women may start with incontinence as early as their first child
o 14% of women aged 35-55 have incontinence
o Incontinence tends to increase with age
o In women, the prevalence of incontinence markedly increases after age 44 (World Journal of Urology, Johns Hopkins University)
o In men, the incidence of incontinence increases from age 65 onward
o As many as 40-50% of women over age 60 may be affected
o 25% of women with incontinence use sanitary pads daily to control leaking (NAFC)
o 17% of women with incontinence use tissue or paper towels to control leaking (NAFC)
o Depression is more prevalent in women with incontinence than without incontinence (Canadian Community Health Survey)
o Prevalence of depression is 15.5% in women with urinary incontinence (Psychosomatics, 2006; 47:147-151)
o 30% prevalence of depression in women ages 18-44 with urinary incontinence (Psychosomatics 2006; 47:147-151)
o In all age groups, people with overactive bladder have lower quality of life scores, higher depression scores and poorer quality of sleep (World Journal of Urology, Johns Hopkins Univ.)
o Bladder problems can hinder sexual desire for fear of leaking (Abram et al, 2001)
o About two-thirds of women and men report that their bladder problems affect their daily living and quality of life (The NOBLE survey)
o Incontinent people have an increase risk for falls (35% more likely) and fractures (45% more likely) (Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 2000)
o Senate Special Committee on Aging puts urinary incontinence among four main health problems affecting quality of life in seniors
o At least 50% of nursing home residents are affected with incontinence; 70% are women (US Dept of Health and Human Services 1996)
o Costs estimated at $16.4 billion dollars in the US yearly (US Dept of Health & Human Services); another study showed costs at $3565 per incontinent person per year) (Wagner and Hu, Urology, 1998)
o $1.1 billion (1996) yearly for disposable incontinence products (US Dept of Health & Human Services)
o Of the $25.2 billion in sanitary pads and panty liners purchased, $14.2 billion of sanitary pads and panti-liners are being purchased for reasons other than the menstrual cycle. (2009, International Non-Woven Disposables Association).
o Secondary problems with Urinary Incontinence include –decreased sexual function, sleep disturbances, decrease in normal activities, fear of stigmatization, skin infections, and depression (The NOBLE survey)
