Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary leakage of urine. It can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from temporary health conditions to long- term medical issues. For some, it’s a light leak when laughing or sneezing. For others, it can be more severe and ongoing, requiring regular management. While UI is common among both men and women, the experience—along with the causes, prevalence, and treatment—can differ greatly between the sexes.
Why Gender Matters in Incontinence
Understanding the differences in how incontinence affects men and women can help individuals and caregivers take a more informed and compassionate approach to care. Anatomical structures, hormonal changes, and life events like childbirth or prostate surgery all play a role in how UI develops and presents. By recognizing these differences, we can better support people with incontinence and help reduce the stigma that often surrounds it.
At Attends, we believe education empowers. Whether you’re managing UI personally or supporting someone who is, understanding the “why” behind the condition is a critical first step, and we’re here to help.
Prevalence and Statistics of Urinary Incontinence
Incontinence affects people of all ages and genders, but how and when it shows up can vary significantly between men and women. Understanding the numbers behind urinary incontinence (UI) can help shed light on who’s affected, how often it’s reported, and the broader impact it has on individuals and the healthcare system.
Overall Prevalence
Urinary incontinence is much more common than many realize, especially among older adults. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, approximately 50% of adult women experience UI at some point in their lives. That number increases with age, reaching up to 75% among women over the age of 65.
Men also experience urinary incontinence, though at lower rates. Data from the Parkinson’s Foundation shows that about 4.8% of men ages 19-44 report UI. That number rises to 11.2% among men aged 45-64 and 21.1% in men 65 and older.
Underreporting and Stigma
Despite how common UI is, it remains underdiagnosed and underreported. Research from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) indicates that only 6-8% of adults aged 65 and older receive a formal UI diagnosis each year. Social stigma and embarrassment often prevent individuals from discussing their symptoms, even with healthcare professionals.
Postpartum Trends
Urinary incontinence is particularly prevalent among women following childbirth. Obstetrics & Gynecology reports that between 3% and 40% of women experience UI within the first year after giving birth.
In one large cohort study, 28.5% of women reported moderate to severe incontinence postpartum. At the three-month mark, pooled prevalence was estimated at 33%. The physical changes and strain associated with pregnancy and delivery play a significant role in these numbers.
Economic Impact
Beyond the physical and emotional toll, incontinence presents a significant
financial burden. Globally, the UI care market was valued at $3.26 billion in
2021 and is expected to reach $4.67 billion by 2026. In the United States
alone, direct and indirect costs associated with UI grew from $65.9 billion in
2007 to $82.6 billion by 2022.
How Anatomical and Physiological Factors Affect Urinary Incontinence
Biological differences play a central role in how UI develops in males and females.
People who are assigned female at birth often experience UI due to pelvic floor weakness, particularly after childbirth. Hormonal changes during menopause can also thin the lining of the urethra and reduce bladder control.
People who are assigned male at birth are more likely to develop UI as a result of prostate issues, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate surgery. Weakened pelvic floor muscles and neurological changes can also contribute.
Understanding these physiological distinctions helps inform treatment and product solutions tailored to each group.
Common Types of Incontinence and Gender Tendencies
UI doesn’t look the same for everyone. There are several different types of incontinence, and their causes and symptoms can vary by sex.
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence involves leakage when pressure is placed on the bladder
from activities like coughing, sneezing, or lifting. It’s most common in
women, especially after childbirth or with pelvic floor weakness.
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence causes a sudden, intense need to urinate followed by
leakage. It affects both men and women and is often associated with an
overactive bladder.
Overflow Incontinence
This type occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to continuous dribbling. It’s frequently seen in men due to prostate-related issues that block urine flow.
Mixed and Functional Incontinence
Mixed incontinence, typically a combination of stress and urge incontinence, is more common as people age. Functional incontinence occurs when physical or cognitive challenges interfere with the ability to reach the bathroom in time. Gender differences may emerge based on individual health conditions and living environments.
Key Risk Factors and Underlying Causes
The causes of incontinence can be complex, and they’re often influenced by both gender-specific and shared health conditions. By better understanding the factors that contribute to bladder leakage, individuals and caregivers can take more informed steps toward prevention and management.
Women's Risks:
- Pregnancy and vaginal delivery
- Menopause and hormonal changes
- 'Pelvic surgeries
Men's Risk
- Prostate enlargement (BPH)
- Prostate removal surgery (prostatectomy)
- Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
Shared Risks:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (e.g. diuretics)
- Neurological damage or disorders
Impact on Daily Life and Well-Being
UI can affect much more than bladder control. It can have wide-ranging consequences on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
- Physical: Incontinence can lead to issues like incontinence-associated dermatitis, urinary tract infections, and skin irritation. Maintaining skin health becomes a critical aspect of care.
- Emotional: Feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and social withdrawal are common. Some individuals may avoid activities they once enjoyed out of fear of accidents.
- Economic: The cost of urinary incontinence products, laundry, and medical care can add up quickly. Finding reliable and effective incontinence products is essential for both dignity and affordability.
Management and Treatment Approaches
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to manage UI, and approaches
can often be customized based on gender and individual needs
- Lifestyle adjustments: Managing fluid intake, avoiding bladder
irritants like caffeine or alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can
reduce symptoms. - Pelvic-floor exercises: Gender-specific pelvic floor training, such as
Kegal exercises, can strengthen the muscles that support bladder
control. - Medical and surgical treatments: Depending on the cause,
medications (like anticholinergics or alpha-blockers) or procedures
such as bladder slings or minimally invasive surgeries may be
recommended. - Behavioral therapies: Techniques like bladder training or scheduled
voiding help retrain the bladder and establish better control over time.
Attends Solutions and Recommendations
At Attends, we understand that every incontinence journey is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of incontinence solutions designed to support dignity, comfort, and confidence.
Product overview: Our lineup includes briefs, protective underwear, pads, and male guards—each developed with anatomical differences in mind. Whether it’s light leaks or full protection, we have an option designed to meet those needs.
Fit and absorbency: Choosing the right product depends on both waist or hip measurements and the level of absorbency needed. Our fitting guides make this process easy, and our team is always here to help.
Resources and support: We offer educational resources, customer support, and an active online community to help guide you every step of the way.
Knowledge is Power: Take the First Step Toward Better Care
While urinary incontinence affects people of all genders, the experiences, causes, and treatments can differ significantly. Women are more likely to experience UI due to pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal shifts, especially as they age. Men, meanwhile, are more likely to develop UI as a result of prostate-related conditions or surgeries.
No matter the cause, it’s important to remember that incontinence is manageable and support is available. We encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to speak with a healthcare provider and explore the many solutions available, including Attends products tailored for men and women.
