The 2019 State Of Incontinence Survey Results
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Incontinence affects more than You Think…
NAFC recently conducted a large scale survey of more than 1,100 patients living with incontinence to determine the extent it has on their lives. What we found was both surprising, and astounding.
We learned that incontinence affects people all the time, and in more ways than you might think. From the physical aspects, to emotional distress, and even financial burdens, incontinence is a condition that takes its toll in every way.
Read below to learn about some of our findings, and then watch our short video with the results.
Want access to the full report? Click here to download it.
Incontinence is a constant burden…
80% of respondents deal with incontinence either on an everyday basis, or 3 to 5 times per week.
…And It’s Life-Limiting
Incontinence symptoms reduce patients’ ability and willingness to participate in everyday activities.
The emotional toll can be debilitating…
90% of patients report feeling either isolated, depressed or hopeless as a result of their condition.
…Yet, the stigma is real.
27% of respondents have not spoken with their doctor about their incontinence symptoms, and 50% are uncomfortable talking with close friends or family members about it.
Too many go undiagnosed…
36% of people reporting leakage, frequent trips, and sudden urges were undiagnosed. 27% haven’t spoken with their doctors at all about their incontinence!
…And conditions worsen over time.
Seeing improvement in incontinence symptoms in the last 12 months is rare. Only 2% of patients have reported improvement in their symptoms in the last year.
Watch our short video to learn more about the survey results!
What Can I Do About Incontinence?
It may feel like a hopeless condition, but incontinence condition that you can treat. Learn more about incontinence, talk to people who understand, and find a specialist to help you put a treatment plan together. Click the links below to discover just a few of the resources on nafc.org. Then take your time, settle in, and start exploring the rest of the site. No matter what bladder or bowel condition you’re here for, chances are we have something for you.
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Speaking Up About Incontinence
For many people living with bladder leaks, the hardest part isn’t the symptoms themselves.
It’s deciding to talk about them.
Bladder leaks can feel too small to mention, too embarrassing to explain, or not “serious enough” to justify a doctor’s visit. Many people quietly manage symptoms for years—adjusting their routines, limiting activities, and hoping things don’t get worse.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for feeling this way.
Incontinence by the Numbers
How common it is, why it’s increasing, and what an aging population means for patients and families
Incontinence is often treated as something people should keep private — but the reality is that it’s extremely common, and it affects millions of Americans every day.
As our population ages, especially with Baby Boomers entering older adulthood, more people are living with bladder and bowel control problems. That means more patients seeking answers, more caregivers providing support, and greater impact on families and the healthcare system.
Understanding the numbers helps reduce stigma — and reminds people that they are not alone and help is available.
The Financial Impact of Incontinence: Costs You May Not See
Incontinence is often discussed in terms of symptoms and quality of life but for many people, it also brings a steady (and sometimes surprising) financial burden. Beyond the obvious cost of pads, protective underwear, and skin-care products, there can be added expenses from laundry, missed work, caregiving needs, and medical visits. The good news: understanding where the costs come from is the first step toward reducing them—and getting the right treatment can be a cost-saver, not just a health improvement.