Incontinence is something that many people across the globe deal with, yet it often remains a taboo topic. Whether it’s the occasional bladder leak, urge incontinence, or a more constant need for management, it is far more common than most think, affecting millions of people of all ages from all walks of life. But what is incontinence, who is it impacting the most and how can workplaces support those who suffer with the condition? Let’s break it down…
Table of Contents
What is incontinence?
Defined as the unintentional loss of bladder or bowel function, incontinence leads to the release of urine or faeces at unexpected times. It is a common condition that varies in type and severity, affecting people differently depending on a variety of factors such as age, lifestyle, and health conditions. For some, it may mean small, occasional leaks when sneezing or laughing, and for others, it can be a more frequent and urgent issue. Understanding the basics of incontinence can be the first step toward finding effective solutions and regaining control.
There are multiple types of incontinence, some of which are:
- Urinary incontinence: The involuntary leakage of urine.
- Stress incontinence: Urine leaks when the bladder is under pressure, such as when you cough, laugh, or exercise.
- Urge incontinence: Urine leaks when you feel a sudden and intense urge to urinate.
- Overflow incontinence: You’re unable to fully empty your bladder, which causes frequent leaking.
- Total incontinence: Your bladder cannot store any urine at all, which causes you to pass urine constantly or have frequent leaking.
- Faecal incontinence: The accidental or involuntary loss of faeces or flatus from the bowel.
Each type can impact individuals differently and it is influenced by various factors, from age & lifestyle, to specific conditions.
Who is impacted by incontinence?
Incontinence does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. In the UK alone, it is reported that 4-8 million people have experienced with it impacting roughly 10% of men. With these stats, it’s likely that you have employees and customers that suffer from this condition. While commonly associated with older adults, younger individuals – including pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions – can also be impacted. Stats suggest roughly 45% of people are under the age of 60 that suffer from the condition in the UK. So, what are the main risk factors?
Age
Age is a significant factor in the prevalence of incontinence. Research has indicated that:
- Women aged 40 to 60 report incontinence rates of around 45%
- Among women over 75, the prevalence rises, with up to 75% experiencing some form of urinary incontinence
- For men, approximately 10% of those over 65 experience urinary incontinence, often linked to prostate problems. As the population ages, the incidence of incontinence is likely to increase, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.
Gender
Whilst both men and women can be affected by incontinence, women are generally at a higher risk, with approximately 30% of women suffering with incontinence at one point in their lives. Factors that can impact the likelihood of incontinence include:
- Prostate cancer: More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and 1 in 8 will get the condition at some point in their lives. After treatment for prostate cancer, men can experience either stress or urge incontinence.
- Pregnancy & Childbirth: The physical changes and stress on the pelvic floor during pregnancy and childbirth can lead to long-term issues with incontinence. It is estimated that 25-30% of women experience stress urinary incontinence the first year after giving birth.
- Menopause: The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can weaken pelvic muscles, increasing the risk of incontinence.
For men, a large risk factor can be conditions such as prostate enlargement and prostate surgery, however, younger men can also face incontinence issues due to variables like obesity, diabetes and high-impact sports, which can affect bladder control. It is reported that 1 in 25 men over the age of 40 experience some form of urinary leak every year.
In the workplace, men with incontinence often struggle due to limited access to appropriate disposal facilities, leading to stress and anxiety around managing their condition discreetly. Despite incontinence being common, many workplaces lack male-friendly disposal options, leaving men feeling isolated or avoiding seeking support. Prostate Cancer UK’s study found that 73% of surveyed workplaces lacked hygiene disposal units in men’s toilets, resulting in 1 in 3 men resorting to carrying sanitary waste bags for public disposal or bringing them home.
Causes of incontinence
Incontinence can result from a range of causes, some of which may be temporary, while others are long-term and complex. For men, a primary factor is often prostate health. Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as prostate enlargement, can place pressure on the bladder and urethra, leading to urinary incontinence. Additionally, prostate cancer treatments, including surgery or radiation, can weaken or damage the muscles around the bladder, impacting bladder control. After prostate cancer surgery, in particular, many men experience temporary or long-term urinary leakage as the body adjusts.
Other common causes of incontinence for both men and women include:
Medications
Certain medications, such as diuretics, muscle relaxants, or medications for heart conditions, can increase urine production or weaken bladder control. While these medications may be essential for treating other health issues, they can inadvertently lead to incontinence.
Lifestyle factors
Obesity is a major risk factor, as excess weight places additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Similarly, high-impact physical activities over a long period can strain pelvic muscles, leading to stress incontinence, particularly for younger men engaged in sports or physically demanding jobs.
Underlying health conditions
Conditions like diabetes, which affects blood sugar levels and nerve health, can impair bladder function. Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can disrupt communication between the brain and the bladder, causing incontinence.
Temporary factors
Incontinence can sometimes be temporary, brought on by urinary tract infections (UTIs) or lifestyle choices such as excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, which are bladder irritants and may cause increased urgency.
Understanding these causes is crucial in tailoring effective management strategies, as treating or addressing the underlying issue can often alleviate symptoms or prevent further complications.
The stigma of incontinence
Despite being a common health issue, incontinence remains highly stigmatised. Men, in particular, face social pressures due to traditional views on masculinity, leading to misconceptions that incontinence is a “women’s issue” or just a part of ageing. As a result, men may feel ashamed or avoid support and even necessary incontinence products due to the perceived vulnerability or weakness. This stigma can prevent men from seeking support, talking about their needs, or even using incontinence products, as they worry about appearing vulnerable or weak.
In the workplace, this stigma is further compounded by the lack of male-specific facilities for managing incontinence discreetly. Many workplaces do not have male incontinence disposal units, which can force men to improvise or forgo management altogether. This lack of support can make men feel overlooked, adding stress to an already challenging situation.
Creating a supportive workplace environment begins with practical steps like installing male waste disposal facilities, allowing men to manage their condition discreetly and helping them feel seen and valued.
Incontinence solutions and support
Incontinence management is more achievable than ever, with solutions tailored to individual needs through medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and discreet products.
- Medical Treatments: Healthcare providers can prescribe medications to manage symptoms, especially for urge incontinence, or recommend minimally invasive procedures, like nerve stimulation or urethral sling surgeries, particularly for prostate-related issues.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes, like reducing caffeine and alcohol, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight, can make a big difference. Quitting smoking can also alleviate symptoms.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic muscles, supporting better bladder control—often especially helpful after prostate surgery.
- Incontinence Products: Absorbent pads, underwear, and portable urinals provide discretion and convenience, allowing for seamless management of symptoms day-to-day.
If you are experiencing symptoms of incontinence, please ensure you seek help from a healthcare professional.
Resources and where to find help
For those managing incontinence, practical and emotional support is available. Healthcare providers offer tailored solutions, while urologists and physiotherapists provide focused interventions. Help is also available from charities such as Bladder Health and Bladder & Bowel UK.
How Citron Hygiene can help
Citron Hygiene provides essential male-specific incontinence disposal units, so you can create a supportive environment for individuals using your washrooms.
Ready to make a positive change to your workplace? Get in touch to see how our expert team can help you create an inclusive environment for all employees managing incontinence.
