Millions of women suffer in silence.

• Position: Urinary incontinence research - Brief Article

A survey of more than 1,000 American women 18 and over conducted by HarrisInteractive for the National Association for Continence (NAFC) found significant misconceptions and low awareness about stress urinary incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine brought on by abdominal "stress" or pressure as a result of laughing, coughing, sneezing, or physical activity. Very few women recognize stress incontinence as a legitimate medical condition, and about 80% mistakenly believe the symptoms are a normal part of aging.

"Involuntary urine leakage can strike women in the prime of their lives. Whether a woman is 30 or 60, she needs to be made aware of the fact that urine leakage is not normal. Urine leakage at any age is not acceptable," emphasizes Nancy Muller, NAFC executive director. "Unfortunately, because the onset of symptoms is often gradual, many women learn to adjust and only wait until their symptoms become truly unbearable before seeking any help."

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