Mr Eamonn Rogers
Chairman of the Patient Office, European Association of Urology
While generally not life-threatening, managing the psychological burden of urinary incontinence (UI) can be serious.
In 2023, the economic burden of UI reached significant levels, especially considering that women are four times more likely to be affected than men.
Urinary incontinence awareness and support
The European Association of Urology, with over 20 other organisations, is running the Urge to Act campaign to raise awareness among policymakers about the issues that come with this condition.
Urinary incontinence can affect people at many stages of life — from pregnant and postpartum women to the elderly, as well as cancer patients and more. Beyond the physical inconvenience, UI can carry a heavy psychological toll. Many people experience feelings of shame and embarrassment, leading them to avoid public places, withdraw from social interactions or even struggle in intimate relationships.
These emotional challenges often get worse. The unpredictability of UI can lead to anxiety, and it’s not just the person affected who feels the impact. Caregivers, too, often carry part of the burden.
Urinary incontinence can affect
people at many stages of life.
What is being done to meet the challenges caused by continence health problems?
The Urge to Act campaign has laid out a clear plan in their ‘Manifesto for Action,’ which outlines 10 key steps to improve continence health for all. These include:
- Creating national strategies for continence health
- Ensuring everyone has equal access to effective continence care and solutions
- Making sure public and private spaces offer accessible and dignified toilet facilities
- Training more healthcare professionals in continence care
- Supporting health systems to provide sustainable, long-term solutions
- Recognising and supporting informal caregivers
- Acknowledging how continence issues connect with other health areas
- Investing in more research to better understand and treat continence problems
- Running awareness campaigns to normalise the conversation around UI
- Encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and access.
Dignity through continence advocacy
If you are struggling silently with urinary incontinence, see a urologist to help find the right management approach for you.
For more information on the Urge to Act campaign, visit our website, to view the latest economic reports on continence issues, and the EAU’s clear guidance for policymakers.
