The prevalence of bladder weakness

Quite often people are too embarrassed to ask for professional help - perhaps they are trying to play down their symptoms or are in denial about the seriousness of the condition. Therefore it is difficult to measure the prevalence of bladder weakness accurately.

Currently the best information suggests that the prevalence is:

For people living at home

• between 1 in 20 and 1 in 14 women aged 15-44;
• between 1 in 13 and 1 in 7 women aged 45-64;
• between 1 in 10 and 1 in 5 women aged 65 and over;
• over 1 in 33 men aged 15-64;
• between 1 in 14 and 1 in 10 men aged 65 and over.

For people (both sexes) living in institutions:

• 1 in 3 in residential homes
• nearly 2 in every 3 in nursing homes
• 1/2 to 2/3 in wards for elderly and elderly mentally infirm
• It is estimated that about 500,000 children in the UK suffer from nocturnal enuresis (persistent bed-wetting). The prevalence decreases with age as follows: one in six of children aged five;
• one in seven of children aged seven;
• one in 11 of children aged nine;
• one in 50 of teenagers.

Special groups

Although incontinence mainly affects older people and women there are also a number of discreet groups for whom bladder problems and access to services may pose problems.

The following groups are more likely to encounter problems with bladder weakness or have access difficulties:

• people with long term physical disabilities, neurological conditions and learning disabilities;
• prisoners, asylum seekers and refugees;
• homeless people and those living in hostels;
• older people in residential care and nursing homes.
• To ensure fair access to services health commissioners and providers should take particular note of difficulty in accessing health services for:
• ethnic minority communities;
• children in foster care and at boarding schools; and
• travelling people.

Continence services

Continence services are made up of a number of components, the most important of which are:

• raising awareness among the public and health professionals;
• identifying incontinent individuals;
• for each individual, conducting an initial assessment, agreeing a management/treatment plan and instigating initial treatment;
• reviewing treatment;
• supplying continence aids including pads, when indicated;
• advising and helping carers;
• providing specialist services in community and hospital settings.

Please note that the contents of this website are for information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for your doctor’s advice. For medical care and advice you should consult your doctor on a regular basis.