Two Canadian studies are shedding light on the high number of patients across Canada who are suffering in silence because of a taboo medical condition that many people are too embarrassed to talk about. The studies found that urinary and fecal or bowel incontinence are both widely underreported and underdiagnosed in Canada, impacting thousands of patients. 

“A lot of people are embarrassed about their conditions and likely try to keep it a secret. They don’t talk to their physicians, and as a result, they don’t access treatment that could help. Incontinence is very much a hidden condition,” said Dr. Dean Elterman, a urologic surgeon and co-author of the studies.

In a study published in September 2024, the researchers estimated between one million and 1.5 million Canadians live with fecal incontinence. An earlier study published in 2023 on urinary incontinence estimates 1.4 to 2.5 million women and 1.3 to 2.2 million men in Canada suffer from overactive bladder.

It was an eye-opener to get a better understanding of the magnitude of how many patients may be impacted by incontinence, said co-author Hamid Sadri, Director of Health Outcomes, Research and Technology at Medtronic Canada. “The numbers are huge. These two conditions are extremely underdiagnosed, which means there are thousands of people who aren’t getting their health needs met.” he said. 

Creating more awareness about the prevalence and impact of incontinence – among the general public and among health care providers – could lead to more people accessing support and treatment, researchers said.

In some cases, medication and lifestyle changes are enough. However, in severe cases where these lines of treatment aren’t effective, some patients are treated through a minimally invasive procedure called sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy.

The procedure targets communication problems between the sacral nerves, which control the pathways of bowel and bladder function, and a patient’s brain. An implanted neuromodulator delivers mild electrical impulses to correct (modulate) miscommunication between the brain and the sacral nerves, helping patients regain control over their bodily functions.

The authors of the studies hope their research will help reduce the stigma surrounding incontinence, raise awareness amongst the patient population, and propel healthcare leaders across the country to increase access to treatment.

 “We have a better understanding of how big this problem is through our research. Now we need to raise awareness about the significant impact of incontinence so we can help the people suffering in silence get the help they deserve,” Dr. Elterman said. 

Deb’s journey sheds light on a topic often left unspoken. Learn her story today.