Hope for More Than 3.3 Million Canadians Battling Urinary Incontinence

President, The Canadian Continence Foundation Nearly 10 percent of all Canadians experience urinary incontinence, with that figure expected to rise as baby boomers age. According to a study conducted by The Canadian Continence Foundation, people suffering from incontinence report strong negative emotions, including embarrassment (84.3 percent), frustration (83.1 percent), and feeling discouraged (73.4 percent).

“Incontinence is not just a minor lifestyle condition. The causes are many, as it’s actually a symptom of a number of underlying medical conditions,” says Dr.Adrian Wagg, President of The Canadian Continence Foundation.

While stress ( exertional) incontinence and urgency incontinence are the most common forms, there are other causes. Incontinence can result from changes in the body that occur in association with aging but also vaginal childbirth, diseases such as multiple sclerosis or parkinson’s, or even as a consequence of medications or surgery.

Thankfully, there are multiple methods of controlling incontinence, including medications, injections, surgery, and self-management alternatives.

“Techniques including Kegel exercises, bladder training, and changes to diet all hold the potential to help people regain control of their bladders,” says Dr. Wagg. “Ultimately, incontinence can almost always be cured, improved, or successfully managed.”