incontinence center

by director: Diane K. Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP, FAAN

Welcome to our urinary incontinence center where you can learn about the types, causes and symptoms of urinary incontinence and about ways to treat and manage your situation. We also describe urinary incontinence products, pants, pads and other incontinence supplies for men and women so you can feel more knowledgable before you purchase from us or elsewhere. You might also want to walk through our Underwear Buying Guide if you need help with your decision.  

Do you have urinary incontinence?

• Do you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise?
  
  
• Do you leak urine on the way to the bathroom?
  
  
• Do you have intense and sudden bladder urges you cannot control?
  
  
• Do you find yourself going to the bathroom often, more than 8 times in a day?
  
  
• Do you wake up more than two times at night to go to the bathroom?
  
  
• Do you need to know the locations of bathrooms when you travel or go shopping?
  
  
• Are you afraid that you will leak urine during sex?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you have a problem with your bladder called urinary incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence (UI) is the unwanted leakage or loss of urine when you don't want to; a very common problem in the United States estimated to afflict 15 million Americans. More than two thirds of the persons with urinary incontinence are women. The total annual cost of providing care for persons with urinary incontinence is estimated to be $28 billion.

The inability to control urine is one of the most unpleasant and distressing problems from which a person can suffer, often causing isolation, depression and physiological problems. In addition to the patient, urinary incontinence is also a burden for family caregivers and the community, and the major reason aging parents are put into nursing homes.

Learn more about Urinary Incontinence

NEW! View a Free Webinar Called "Women Controlling Continence"

The AUA Foundation is pleased to host this important forum in recognition of World Continence Week. Millions live with unwanted leakage of urine.
Click here to view recorded webinar

This on-line Webinar forum will feature nationally known experts to:

Explain incontinence and who has this condition.

1. Identify the impact of incontinence on health and wellness.
2. Discuss the stigma associated with bladder and bowel problems.
3. Describe what can be done to prevent incontinence.
4. Explain the self-care measures that can improve the lives of those with incontinence.
5. Identify treatment options for urinary incontinence.

Posted January 2002
Last updated May 2010