Urinary Incontinence Loss of bladder control is a condition called urinary incontinence. Millions of Americans have such a condition, which causes them to leak urine. Because incontinence is a symptom, it is important to report this condition to your doctor. A thorough evaluation can determine the cause of your incontinence. Today, more than ever before, help is available. Incontinence usually can be cured, treated, or adequately managed so that bladder control problems need not interfere with a healthy, productive, and active lifestyle. It is estimated that over 12 million Americans have urinary incontinence. Incontinence affects all ages, both sexes, and people of every social and economic level. It is also estimated that 15 to 30 percent of people over the age of 60 who live at home have incontinence. Women are twice as likely as men to have this condition. In addition, at least half of the 1.5 million Americans who reside in nursing homes are incontinent. The exact number of people with incontinence is not known, but the total number of people affected may be far greater than current estimates. Incontinence is a symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions.