A circular muscle, called the sphincter, controls the activity of the urethra. It is not a part of the urinary system but can play a role in incontinence. Normally, the bladder stores the urine that is continually produced by the kidneys until it is convenient to urinate, but when any part of the urinary system malfunctions, incontinence can result. One in four women between the ages 30 and 59 has experienced an episode of urinary incontinence. A more recent study conducted by Kimberly-Clark Corporation reports that incontinence affects at least 18 million Americans.
Incontinence occurs in children and young adults, but the largest number affected is the elderly.
Fifty percent or more of elderly persons living at home or in long-term care facilities are incontinent. Many people affected by loss of bladder or bowel control isolate themselves for fear of ridicule and lose self-esteem. Adults often find employment impossible. Bedwetting Ten percent of children over the age of five in the United States have bedwetting problems. One percent of adolescents over the age of 16 continue to have the problem.