For many people, sex and intimacy is about far more than physical closeness. It’s about confidence, connection, vulnerability, and feeling comfortable in your own body.
When urinary incontinence enters the picture, those feelings can quietly change.
While often discussed as a physical condition, incontinence can deeply affect emotional well-being and romantic relationships, something many people experience but few talk about openly.
The Hidden Impact on Intimacy & Sex Life
According to the NAFC Mental Health Survey 2025, urinary incontinence is far more than a bladder issue, it’s a quality-of-life issue that reaches into nearly every aspect of daily living, including sexual health and intimacy.
The survey, which included more than 330 adults currently living with incontinence, found that:
- 65% say incontinence impacts their romantic relationships, to varying degrees
- One in three respondents report avoiding sex and intimacy altogether due to fear of leakage, embarrassment, or anxiety
- 69% say they hide their condition from others including intimate partners contributing to emotional distance
For many, the fear isn’t just about physical accidents. It’s about what might happen emotionally.
“I consider myself a happy person, but on the inside, I feel shame and embarrassment on a regular basis.” — NAFC Survey Participant
When Emotional Support Is Missing
Intimacy often depends on emotional safety yet the survey revealed that support can be inconsistent.
- Nearly one-third of respondents say they do not feel emotionally supported by their spouse or partner regarding their incontinence.
- While 68% feel supported by friends or family, that number drops when it comes to romantic partners
This lack of support may explain why some relationships remain unaffected while others experience significant strain on their sex life.
The data shows a clear divide: Some couples adapt together and maintain an active sex life, while others struggle in silence.
Anxiety, Shame, and Avoidance
The emotional weight of incontinence plays a major role in intimacy challenges.
Survey respondents frequently reported:
- Embarrassment or shame (experienced often by 44%)
- Anxiety (reported often by 38%)
- Low confidence and insecurity
- Fear of odor, leaks, or visible protection
These emotions can lead to:
- Avoiding sex or physical closeness
- Sleeping in separate beds
- Making excuses to avoid intimacy
- Withdrawing emotionally from a partner
Over time, avoidance can create distance even when love and desire are still present.
You’re Not Alone
One of the most important findings from the NAFC survey is this:
Nearly everyone living with incontinence reports some impact on their mental health. Only 10% said it had no emotional effect at all
Incontinence does not reflect a lack of attraction, effort, or desire. It reflects a medical condition that deserves understanding not silence.
As one participant shared: “At this point I either have incontinence and hate myself or have incontinence and live my life. It’s a choice.” — NAFC Survey Participant
Steps Toward Rebuilding Intimacy
While every relationship is different, many people find intimacy improves when shame is replaced with communication and support.
1. Start the Conversation
Talking about incontinence with a partner can feel intimidating, but openness often reduces anxiety on both sides. Many partners want to help, they just don’t know how.
2. Redefine Intimacy
Intimacy doesn’t have to look the same as it did before symptoms began. Connection, closeness, affection, and trust matter just as much as physical activity.
3. Seek Medical Support
The survey found that 85% of respondents have spoken to a healthcare provider, yet many still lack awareness of advanced treatment options beyond pads and lifestyle changes.
Understanding your full range of options including pelvic health therapy, medications, and advanced treatments can restore both confidence, quality of life and improve sex life.
4. Address Emotional Health
Support groups, counseling, and peer connection can be powerful tools for rebuilding confidence.
Hope Is Possible
Despite the challenges, many people do find ways forward.
Some respondents described feeling:
- More confident after treatment
- Stronger through partner support
- Empowered after learning they were not alone
Incontinence may change intimacy, but it does not have to end it.
With education, communication, and compassionate care, connection is still possible.
