Urinary incontinence in adults

[Zipporah Schumaker]

Urinary incontinence is involuntary loss of urine.
Incontinence can occur in both men and women at any age, but it is more common among women and older people, affecting about 30% of older women and 15% of older men. Although incontinence is more common among older people, it is not a normal part of aging. Incontinence may be sudden and temporary, as when a person is taking a drug that has a diuretic effect, or it may be long lasting (chronic). Even chronic incontinence may sometimes be relieved.
(See also Control of Urination.)
Urinary incontinence in children is discussed separately.