World Continence Week 2026

15/06/2026

What is World Continence Week?

World Continence Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of incontinence related issues.

It occurs in June and this year will run from 15th to 21st June 2026.

This World Continence Week, The Urology Foundation is calling for urgent action to improve continence care across the UK.

What is bladder leakage?

Bladder leakage affects millions of people of all ages and backgrounds. It is common, but too often hidden. Many people live with symptoms for years without seeking help, while others are unable to access the support they need.

Bladder leakage is not just a medical issue. It can affect every aspect of a person’s life. People can experience:

isolation, if their condition restricts them from living life as they would like to
embarrassment
intimacy issues
it can impact relationships
employment challenges, if the person is not able to participate in their job as they used to
lowered self-esteem and, in some cases, a loss of independence

Around 14 million people in the UK are estimated to be living with bladder problems, yet many feel unable to talk about it or ask for support. Around a third of women are living with urinary incontinence, while 2 million men experience it.

High‑quality continence care changes lives. With the right support and a personalised management plan, many people are able to regain control and live more freely again.

Real stories. Real impact.

Behind every statistic is a person trying to live their life as fully as possible.

Amy’s story

Amy lives with overactive bladder. She describes how her condition affected her confidence and daily routine, and how difficult it was to get a diagnosis. Finding the right support helped her regain a sense of control and rebuild her confidence.

Read Amy’s story HERE.

Steve’s story

Steve was diagnosed with bladder cancer and had to have his bladder removed, so he now lives with a urostomy bag. He shares how adjusting to life after treatment brought some challenges, but also how the right care and information helped him adapt and continue living an active life.

Read Steve’s story HERE.

Continence care changes lives

High-quality continence care can transform outcomes. With the right support, including access to specialist services and a personalised management plan, many people are able to:

Improve or manage their symptoms effectively
Regain independence
Return to work or social activities
Improve their mental wellbeing and quality of life

This is why access to good continence care is so important.

It’s time to act

Too many people are struggling to access timely and effective care; not because solutions do not exist, but because services are under pressure. As a result, thousands of people are suffering in silence.

Nurses and specialist physiotherapists working in continence care are highly skilled professionals delivering complex, life‑changing care. However, we are increasingly hearing that they do not always have the time, resources, or support they need to give patients the care they deserve.

These pressures are taking a toll on both patients and professionals, and they are occurring against the backdrop of rising future demand, with more people expected to experience bladder leakage in the decades ahead. Without urgent action, services will become increasingly unsustainable.

Ending the pad gap

This year, we are also supporting the call to end the “pad gap”.

Many NHS services limit patients to three or four continence pads per day, which is often below what people need. In some cases, the products provided are not suitable for the individual. As a result, people may have to:

Pay for additional products themselves
Use products for longer than recommended
Live with discomfort, leaks, and anxiety

This issue is not just about products. It is about dignity, independence and basic quality of life.

Listening to healthcare professionals

To better understand the challenges facing continence care, The Urology Foundation is launching a national survey of healthcare professionals during World Continence Week 2026.

The survey explores:

Pressures on continence services
Workforce challenges and training needs
Barriers to delivering high-quality care
Opportunities for improvement and innovation

The findings will help build a clear picture of what is happening on the ground and support a stronger case for change.

If you’re a healthcare professional, please fill in our survey TODAY! Click HERE.

Highlighting the experiences of patients

The Urology Foundation was pleased to partner with the Urology Trade Association and the Spinal Injuries Association on a new UK-wide report on the experiences of people living with urinary incontinence. The report launched this World Continence Week.

Drawing on responses from people living with urinary continence conditions, the report provides insight into the day-to-day realities of continence care and its impact on dignity, independence and quality of life. It sets out clear recommendations for policy makers, the NHS, industry and charities and patient organisations.

Download the report HERE.