A national survey by The Urology Foundation has found that one in three Brits and more than 40 per cent of women surveyed had experienced incontinence, with many of those suffering from embarrassment, depression, relationship problems, debt or financial problems as a result.
Incontinence – the involuntary passing of urine – is a condition on the rise in the UK. It predominantly affects women, although both sexes and all ages can suffer, with over 16 per cent of males also affected. It costs the NHS £1.8 billion each year as sufferers seek treatment to fix the condition.
The survey suggests there are nearly 20 million people in the UK suffering from the condition yet many avoid seeking help from their GP due to embarrassment. More women than men are affected, yet women are 50 per cent less likely than men to seek help immediately.
The Urology Foundation is raising awareness about the condition through a national campaign in June as part of World Continence Week and is urging men and women experiencing incontinence to see their GP so they can access the necessary treatment and regain quality of life.
Roland Morley, consultant urologist at Imperial College Healthcare and TUF trustee, said: “Almost half the adult population will suffer incontinence at some point in their life and for 25 per cent it will be a chronic problem.
“But there are a range of treatments available if people seek help and campaigns such as this are vital if we are to break down the stigma of incontinence.”
Nearly 20 per cent of UK residents (almost 13 million British adults) said they would not seek help because they were too embarrassed or because they felt there was no point as nothing could be done.
Ian Pearce, consultant urological surgeon at the University of Manchester, said: “The fact that people are depressed reflects the stigma surrounding incontinence.
“We need to break the stigma and encourage people to talk to others and to see their GP.
“With the right treatment, people’s lives can be completely transformed.”
To mark World Continence Week, The Urology Foundation is producing ‘Need to Pee’ cards, which fit in a wallet or purse and can be discreetly produced in shops and stores to help obtain quick access to a toilet.
The Urology Foundation are also displaying posters in motorway service stations across the UK, urging people to see their GP if they find they need to pee more frequently or have experienced incontinence.
Find out more about World Continence Week on our campaigns page.
