Supported by Medtronic

Uncovering Pathways in bladder and bowel continence care

Urinary and faecal incontinence are more common than you might think, affecting around 46 million people in Europe. Unfortunately, many struggle to discuss these issues; over 40% of those with urinary incontinence and up to 85% with faecal incontinence do not seek help.

We believe everyone deserves to live confidently and comfortably. This website offers clear information and resources to help you understand your symptoms and explore treatment options at your own pace.

Infographic on incontinence in Europe. Top icon of a person with the text “46 million affected in Europe.” Middle section shows a droplet icon and text: “1 in 6 people over the age of 40 are affected.” Below are two donut charts: “Urinary Incontinence – 40%” “Faecal Incontinence – 85%” Caption reads: “...of affected individuals over age 50 do not seek medical help. These individuals remain untreated, despite available therapies.” Bottom image shows a hand holding two speech bubbles. Text reads: “Incontinence is more common than people realise. Greater awareness and openness can lead to more diagnoses, better treatment, and improved quality of life.”
Infographic on incontinence in Europe. Top icon of a person with the text “46 million affected in Europe.” Middle section shows a droplet icon and text: “1 in 6 people over the age of 40 are affected.” Below are two donut charts: “Urinary Incontinence – 40%” “Faecal Incontinence – 85%” Caption reads: “...of affected individuals over age 50 do not seek medical help. These individuals remain untreated, despite available therapies.” Bottom image shows a hand holding two speech bubbles. Text reads: “Incontinence is more common than people realise. Greater awareness and openness can lead to more diagnoses, better treatment, and improved quality of life.”

Choose your path to better care

Select Urinary or Faecal Incontinence to get tailored support and resources.

Urinary incontinence Faecal incontinence

What is Urinary incontinence (UI)

Urinary incontinence is an uncontrolled loss of any amount of urine from the bladder. It can affect anyone at any age or stage of life. Bladder control problems can be treated, and there are ways to manage the symptoms.

Many people mistakenly think that losing control of urine is just a normal part of getting older or something that happens after having a baby. However, it is actually a medical issue that should be discussed with a doctor.

It’s important to seek help if you’re facing these challenges below.

Stress incontinence

Overactive bladder (OAB)

Complaint of involuntary loss of urine during effort or physical activity, such as lifting or exercising, or when laughing, sneezing or coughing.

Older woman with short grey hair wearing a pale pink top, sneezing into a tissue against a neutral grey background.

A sudden and strong need to pass urine, alongside having to go to the toilet more frequently than usual. Some people also wake to pass urine more than once a night.

Elderly woman with long white hair pressing her fingers to the bridge of her nose, showing discomfort, seated indoors.

Urge incontinence

Mixed incontinence

A sudden strong need to pass urine

Woman in jeans and white top standing in front of a toilet, holding her pelvic area with both hands, indicating urgency or discomfort.

Both stress and urge incontinence.

Several white incontinence pads arranged on a pastel blue background, suggesting personal care or incontinence management.

Assessment

A healthcare professional will undertake a full assessment of your bladder symptoms or refer you to another service for this to be completed. This will include a variety of questions, and you may be asked to complete a bladder diary to see how much urine you pass, how often you are passing urine, and how much fluid you are drinking.

Bladder diary example

You may also be offered:

A physical examination to see how well your pelvic floor is working.

A urine test.

Asked to complete a quality of life questionnaire to see how much your symptoms are affecting you.

Asked to complete a quality of life questionnaire to see how much your symptoms are affecting you.

The assessment aims to work out what is causing the problems so that you can be offered the treatment that is most likely to work for you.

A doctor should be able to offer initial advice, but may also refer you to other services such as a community bladder and bowel service, pelvic health specialist or hospital services such as urology or urogynaecology.

Urinary incontinence treatment options

If you’re dealing with issues like having to go to the bathroom often or suddenly, the good news is that there are ways to treat these problems. While using pads and other simple solutions can help, they might not fix the underlying issues causing your symptoms. There are more options out there that can provide better relief.

Firstline treatment options:

There are several simple actions you can take to help manage urinary incontinence. Here are a few suggestions that might make a difference:

  • Trying to keep to a healthy weight.
  • Avoid or reduce drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cola and energy drinks) or alcohol.
  • Drink plenty of water based drinks to stay well hydrated.
  • Bladder training.
  • Pelvic floor exercise. Women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence may be offered support with learning to do these from a healthcare professional.


A healthy lifestyle flat lay featuring a bowl of oats with banana, almonds, and redcurrants, a water bottle, orange dumbbells, an orange, and a blue measuring tape on a wooden surface.
A healthy lifestyle flat lay featuring a bowl of oats with banana, almonds, and redcurrants, a water bottle, orange dumbbells, an orange, and a blue measuring tape on a wooden surface.

Medication

  • Medicines that help the bladder to relax and can therefore stop or reduce sudden, strong need to pass urine.
  • Antibiotics can be used to treat urinary tract infections.
  • Oestrogen (female hormone) creams can be used to treat some forms of mild stress incontinence in women.


An older man sitting in a kitchen, holding a glass of water while someone hands him a pill bottle, implying support with taking medication.
An older man sitting in a kitchen, holding a glass of water while someone hands him a pill bottle, implying support with taking medication.

When firstline treatments do not help:

Minimally invasive procedures

Other treatment options may be considered for people who have tried initial treatments or for whom the firstline treatments are not suitable. Surgery may be an option for some people. If this is being considered, then a healthcare professional should discuss with you what options are available and the possible benefits, as well as any risks involved.

Botulinum toxin A (Botox)

Injections may help reduce the contractions (tightening) of the bladder wall muscles that can cause sudden and frequent need to pass urine. A healthcare professional will also discuss self catheterisation.

Urethral bulking injections

Involves injecting a gel around the top of the urethra (the tube that urine comes out of), near the bladder.

This helps the urethra to close and reduces urine leakage.

Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulations

Involves having a fine needle put into the skin near the ankle for about 30 minutes weekly, usually for about 12 weeks. This can help some people with sudden and frequent needs to pass urine.

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS)

Sacral nerve stimulation is used to treat overactive bladder, including urinary urge incontinence and/or urgency frequency and is offered to those unresponsive to other therapies. It uses low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate sacral nerves, which control urinary functions. The treatment is reversible and can be tested by the patient.

Learn more about SNS Find a SNS expertise center near you

Urinary incontinence myths Vs facts

Myth

Vs

Fact

Blue outline of a stylized bladder symbol, representing urinary health, anatomy, or medical topics.

Myth
Incontinence is a normal part of ageing.

Fact
While UI is more common with age, it is not inevitable. It often has treatable underlying causes, and many older adults remain continent with proper care and treatment.

Blue female gender symbol, representing women or female-related health topics.

Myth
Only women experience urinary incontinence.

Fact
Although women are more likely to experience UI due to childbirth and hormonal changes, men can also develop UI, especially due to prostate issues or surgery.

Blue line art of a water bottle next to a large water droplet with a smile, symbolizing hydration and fluid intake.

Myth
If you drink less water, you’ll leak less.

Fact
Reducing fluid intake can actually worsen UI by concentrating urine and irritating the bladder. Staying hydrated is important for bladder health.

Stylized blue anatomical illustration of the pelvic region, representing the pelvic floor or related anatomy.

Myth
UI is only caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.

Fact
Pelvic floor weakness is one factor, but neurological disorders, medications, infections, and lifestyle also play a role. Not all cases are about muscle strength alone.

Blue outline of a sanitary or incontinence pad, with dashed lines for absorbent layers, representing menstrual or bladder leak protection.

Myth
There’s nothing you can do — just use pads.

Fact
Many effective treatments exist, from pelvic floor therapy and medication to surgical options like sacral neuromodulation or bladder Botox. Pads are not the only solution.

Downloads

Download this patient pathway flyer for a quick overview of symptoms and treatment options. It can be helpful for discussing symptoms and treatments with a healthcare provider.

Flowchart Urinary Incontinence

Use this worksheet to reflect on your symptoms and treatment priorities. Bring it to your next appointment to discuss the treatment options with a healthcare professional.

Incontinence Reflection & Choices Worksheet

Download the interactive Patient Decision Aid for overactive bladder (OAB). Use it to explore your treatment options and find what feels right for you. You can bring this to a doctor to talk about your choices.

Decision aid for overactive bladder
Flowchart Urinary Incontinence
Flowchart Urinary Incontinence
Incontinence Reflection & Choices Worksheet
Incontinence Reflection & Choices Worksheet
Decision aid for overactive bladder

What is faecal incontinence (FI)

Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, which may lead to unexpected leakage or frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom. Some people experience both symptoms.

Assessment

If you are experiencing faecal incontinence or any change in bowel habit, it is important to speak to a doctor. They will ask you about any changes in your bowel habits, such as:

1.

Do you have softer stools, diarrhoea or constipation?


2.

Are your bowels open more or less often than usual?


3.

Do you have blood in your stools – this may look red or black?

4.

Is there bleeding from your bottom?


5.

Do you feel like you need to poo more often than usual?


6.

Do you have abdominal (tummy) pain or bloating?


7.

Have you noticed any weight loss without trying?


8.

Have you noticed a lump in your abdomen (tummy)?


9.

Do you feel very tired or short of breath?


Some issues may require further testing, such as stool samples or endoscopy, where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted to examine the bowel. A healthcare professional will ask questions and conduct a physical examination to identify the cause of your symptoms for effective treatment. While a doctor can provide initial advice, you may be referred to services like community bladder and bowel support, pelvic health specialists, or hospital services, including colorectal or gastroenterology specialists. These specialists may conduct exams and request bowel and food diaries, symptom scores, and quality of life questionnaires to assess the impact of your symptoms on daily life.

Person holding a pink cut-out illustration of the human intestines against their stomach, symbolizing gut or digestive health.
Person holding a pink cut-out illustration of the human intestines against their stomach, symbolizing gut or digestive health.

Faecal incontinence treatments

Faecal incontinence (FI) is one of the most common bowel disorders. It involves the recurring and persistent inability to control the passage of faecal matter, whether liquid or solid, excluding isolated incidents caused by infection. A range of treatment options is available to help manage the condition

Firstline treatments options

A healthcare professional (doctor, nurse or physiotherapist) may suggest some first-line treatments including:  

  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Stop smoking.
  • A different toileting routine.
  • Good positioning on the toilet (bottom well supported, feet flat on a firm surface and slightly apart, with knees higher than hips.
  • Adjustments to your diet, which may include reducing caffeine or increasing the amount of fibre in your diet.
  • Review of fluid type and intake.
  • Pelvic floor exercise: Women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence may be offered support with learning to do these from a healthcare professional.
  • Biofeedback: Can help people with constipation or faecal incontinence to help retrain and strengthen the muscles.
Hand stacking wooden blocks featuring healthcare-related icons including a stethoscope, heart monitor, syringe, pill, water droplet, and a medical cross.
Hand stacking wooden blocks featuring healthcare-related icons including a stethoscope, heart monitor, syringe, pill, water droplet, and a medical cross.

Medication

To help manage the symptoms of faecal incontinence, a doctor may prescribe certain medications:

  • Skin barrier creams to help prevent or treat sore skin. 
  • Anti-diarrheal medication may be considered if loose stools are the underlying cause.  
  • Stool bulking agents or laxatives, to treat constipation. 
  • Rectal suppositories. 
A close-up of a hand holding a variety of pills and supplements, including tablets and a softgel capsule, suggesting medication or treatment options.
A close-up of a hand holding a variety of pills and supplements, including tablets and a softgel capsule, suggesting medication or treatment options.

When firstline treatments do not help:

Minimally invasive procedure

Other treatment options may be considered for people who have tried initial treatments or for whom the firstline treatments are not suitable. Surgery may be an option for some people. If this is being considered, then a healthcare professional should discuss with you what options are available and the possible benefits, as well as any risks involved.

Anal inserts: Inserted just like a suppository, these devices help prevent uncontrolled loss of stool.

Transanal irrigation: A specially designed catheter or cone is used to put warm water into the colon to help wash out stools.

Percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation: The minimally invasive technology stimulates the posterior tibial nerve near the ankle, transmitting electrical impulses that regulate neural activity of the bladder and bowel. (PTNS) involves having a fine needle put into the skin near the ankle for about 30 minutes weekly, usually for about 12 weeks. This can help some people with bowel control.

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS): Sacral nerve stimulation is used to treat overactive bladder, including urinary urge incontinence and/or urgency frequency and is offered to those unresponsive to other therapies. It uses low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate sacral nerves, which control urinary functions. The treatment is reversible and can be tested by the patient.

Find out more about SNS Find a SNS expertise center near you

Invasive procedure

Stoma: This permanent procedure involves an opening in the abdomen through which waste can be diverted to an external collecting device.

Faecal incontinence myths Vs facts

Myth vs Fact

Myth

Vs

Fact

Blue line drawing of the human intestines, stylized and simplified, symbolizing digestive or bowel health.

Myth
Faecal incontinence only happens after severe illness or surgery.

Fact
Faecal incontinence can happen to anyone at any age. For example, it can be caused by constipation, nerve damage, childbirth or ageing. It’s often a combination of factors.

Blue line icon showing five people in a group, symbolizing community, prevalence, or shared experience.

Myth
It’s extremely rare.

Fact
Faecal incontinence is more common than many people realise, affecting up to 1 in 12 adults. It is especially common among older adults and people with chronic bowel conditions.

Blue line drawing of a hand wiping a surface with sparkles around it, representing cleanliness or hygiene.

Myth
People with Faecal incontinence are just careless or unhygienic.

Fact
Faecal incontinence is a medical condition, not a result of personal neglect. It’s caused by things outside a person’s control.

Myth
There’s no cure or treatment.

Fact
From dietary changes and pelvic floor therapy to sacral neuromodulation or surgery, there are multiple treatment options — and many patients see significant improvement.

Blue outline of a neutral face with two eyes, a straight mouth, and a single sweat drop on the forehead, symbolizing worry, shame, or embarrassment.

Myth
It’s too embarrassing to talk about — even with a doctor.

Fact
While embarrassment is real, healthcare professionals are trained to deal with this sensitively. Speaking up is the first step toward getting relief and a better quality of life.

Downloads

Download this patient pathway flyer for a quick overview of symptoms and treatment options. It can be helpful for discussing symptoms and treatments with a healthcare provider.

Use this worksheet to reflect on your symptoms and treatment priorities. Bring it to your next appointment to discuss the treatment options with a healthcare professional.

Download the interactive Patient Decision Aid (PDA) for accidental bowel leakage. This brochure provides information about your options and can help you think about what matters most to you.

Start the Conversation
Incontinence Reflection & Choices Worksheet
Decision aid for accidental bowel leakage

Education spotlight: Transanal irrigation for constipation

Supported by Medtronic

Your Health, Your Voice

Incontinence is more common than you might think—and you’re not alone. Our downloadable resources are here to help you better understand your symptoms, explore treatment options, and prepare for meaningful conversations with a healthcare professional.

Feel empowered to be involved in your care. These tools are designed to support open, informed discussions with a doctor, helping you take positive steps towards your health and wellbeing.

Please complete the feedback form and let us know your thoughts.

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