Incontinence is the unintentional passage of urine, stool, or gas through the anus or urinary tract. For some people, incontinence is a relatively minor problem, as when it is limited to a slight occasional soiling of underwear, but for others it involves considerable physical and/or emotional distress.

Approximately 13 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. Women are affected by the disorder more frequently than are men; one in 10 women under age 65 suffer from urinary incontinence. Older Americans, too, are more prone to the condition. Twenty percent of Americans over age 65 are incontinent.

Fecal incontinence, also called bowel incontinence, can occur at any age, but is most common among people over the age of 65.

Incontinence sufferers often hesitate to ask their doctors for help because they are embarrassed or ashamed.

Incontinence can result from a wide variety of medical conditions, including nervous system problems, Parkinson's disease, and bladder dysfunction...