Supported by Medtronic

Empowering patients by highlighting the treatment pathways for UI & FI

Doctors distinguish between two types of incontinence: urinary and faecal. Both are serious issues that can greatly affect a person’s quality of life, sometimes leading to feelings of isolation from others. In fact, about on in six people over the age of 40 in Europe are affected, which adds up to around 46 million individuals.

Unfortunately, incontinence is often seen as a taboo topic. Around 40% of people over 50 with urinary incontinence do not seek help, meaning they go untreated. For those with faecal incontinence, the numbers are even higher, with about 85% choosing not to seek medical assistance. 

 

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.”

To find out more.
Select the Urinary Incontinence or Faecal Incontinence tab below


Urinary incontinence Faecal incontinence

What is Urinary incontinence (UI)


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.

Stress incontinence

Mixed incontinence

Complaint of involuntary loss of urine during effort or physical activity (sports), or when sneezing or coughing.

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

Combination of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence.

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

Urge incontinence

Overactive bladder (OAB)

Complaint of involuntary loss of urine associated with an urge to urinate.

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

Urinary urgency, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence, in the absence of urinary tract infection or other obvious pathology.

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

Urinary incontinence treatment options

If you’re dealing with issues like frequent urges to go to the bathroom or unexpected leaks, 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.

Behavioural treatments

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

  • Weight loss/maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing the intake of stimulants (e.g. caffeine, theine, alcohol)
  • Maintain an appropriate level of hydration
  •  Keeping a bladder diary on paper (some hospitals also offer digital tools, such as the Minze Diary Pod).
  • Perform bladder training
Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles under the uterus, bladder and large intestine. They can help men and women who experience problems with urinary leakage or bow el control.

Woman in white activewear lying on an exercise mat performing a glute bridge, commonly used to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Hypopressive abdominal gymnastics

Hypopressive abdominal gymnastics  involves working on the abdominal region using breathing techniques based on expiratory apnea.

Close-up of a woman’s hands forming a heart shape over her lower abdomen while standing outside in black leggings.
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

Medications can be useful for treating different types of incontinence, which is when someone has trouble controlling their bladder. However, it’s important to know that these medicines might come with some unwanted effects.

  • Anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists for urinary incontinence.
  • Antibiotics for urinary tract infections.
  • Oestrogen therapy for mild forms of stress incontinence.
An older man sitting in a kitchen, holding a glass of water while someone hands him a pill bottle, implying support with taking medication.

Surgical therapies

Surgery might be necessary if other treatment methods aren’t effective. Some options for surgery include:

For stress incontinence: slings made of a surgical mesh that restore the normal anatomy of the bladder.

For overactive bladder symptoms:

Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections every six months which are used to reduce bladder contractions by acting on nerve endings in the bladder wall

Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM): SNM provides continuous stimulation of the sacral nerves, using low-amplitude electrical impulses to restore control of bladder functions.   Read more about the Sacral Neuromodulation therapy

Find a SNM expertise center near you
A female doctor smiling and holding a clipboard while speaking with a female patient across the desk in a bright consultation room.

Downloads

Flowchart Urinary Incontinence
Download the OAB Decision Aid

Urinary incontinence myths Vs facts

Myth

Vs

Fact

Myth

Vs

Fact

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

Myth
Incontinence is a normal part of aging.

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.

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.

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

Faecal incontinence conservative 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:

Behavioural treatments

In the beginning, the doctor might propose some first-line treatments, including:

  • Lifestyle modification (i. e. stop smoking, weight loss)
  • Behavioural changes (i. e. toilet routine)
  • Dietary adjustments (e. g. high fibre, low caffeine)
  • Keeping a bowel diary to track habits and symptoms
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, your doctor may prescribe certain medications:

  • Skin barrier creams
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Stool bulking agents
A close-up of a hand holding a variety of pills and supplements, including tablets and a softgel capsule, suggesting medication or treatment options.

Non-surgical interventions

  • 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.
  • Transanal irrigation: This treatment is designed to instil water into the colon through a rectal catheter to promote evacuation of the contents of the lower colon.
  • Anal inserts: Inserted just like a suppository, these devices help prevent uncontrolled loss of stool


An older woman sitting on a sofa, holding her stomach with a pained expression, suggesting discomfort or abdominal pain.

Surgical interventions

  • Sacral Neuromodulation: This treatment uses a low-intensity electrical current to stimulate the sacral nerves, which play an important role in controlling the urinary and faecal systems. The treatment can be tested by the patient and is reversible.
  • Sphincteroplasty: This permanent procedure is used to repair damaged or weakened anal sphincter muscles.
  • Stoma: This permanent procedure involves an opening in the abdomen through which waste can be diverted to an external collecting device.
Smiling middle-aged man sitting on a sofa receiving friendly reassurance from a male doctor in a white coat with a stethoscope, both making eye contact and laughing warmly.

Downloads

Flowchart of FI
Patient decision aid

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 result from childbirth, chronic constipation, nerve damage, or aging. It’s often a combination of factors, not just severe trauma.

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 prevalent among older adults and individuals with chronic gastrointestinal 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 often caused by factors outside a person’s control, such as nerve damage or weakened anal sphincters.

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

Education spotlight: Transanal irrigation for constipation

Supported by Medtronic

Empowering patients by highlighting the treatment pathways for UI & FI

Clinicians differentiate between urinary and faecal incontinence. This is a serious disorder that can severely limit the quality of life of those affected and may even lead to social isolation. One in six people over the age of 40 is affected, for a total of 46 million people in Europe. 1,2

Incontinence is a taboo subject: around 40 % of all those affected with urinary incontinence 3 above the age of 50 do not seek medical help and remain untreated. For faecal incontinence, the figure is as high as 85 %. 4

1. Milsom, I. et al. How widespread are the symptoms of an overactive bladder and how are they managed? A population-based prevalence study. BJU Int. 87, 760 – 6 (20 01).
2. Eurostat Data Explorer for EU28: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/database.
International Consultation on Incontinence, Tokyo, 2016.
3. Sullivan R et al: Unreported urinary incontinence: population-based prevalence and factors associated with non-reporting of symptoms in community-dwelling people ≥ 50 years. European Geriatric Medicine, 07 Oct 2020,
12(2):405-412.
4. Damon, H. et al. Prevalence of anal incontinence in adults and impact on quality-of-life. Gastroenterol. Clin. Biol. 30, 37–43 (2006).