Who gets urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence affects twice as many women as men. This is because reproductive health events unique to women, like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, affect the bladder, urethra, and other muscles that support these organs.

Urinary incontinence can happen to women at any age, but it is more common in older women. This is probably because of hormonal changes during menopause. More than 4 in 10 women 65 and older have urinary incontinence. One in three women who have had a baby, and up to 10% of women who have not had a baby, have urinary incontinence.

Mild symptoms, unfortunately, tend to worsen over time, so seek help as soon as possible. Know that it is never too late, and you are never too old to improve.