Urinary incontinence (UI) in women is a form of involuntary leakage of urine that affects between 25-45% globally. Several possible UI determinants that have been suggested in the literature include number of children, how they were delivered (vaginally or by C-section), body mass index (BMI), age, hysterectomy, smoking, recurrent urinary tract infection and family history but the reasons for UI remain understudied and poorly understood.

It has been estimated that stress urinary incontinence (SUI) which is an involuntary leakage of urine due to physical efforts ranges from 3% to 25% of elderly women. Quality of life and sexual function are often affected by SUI. The ability to perform activity of daily living may be severely affected by SUI, resulting in embarrassment, social isolation and decrease in health-related quality of life. Women suffering from SUI may avoid participating in physical activity, which in turn impacts on the overall health. Finally, some evidence has shown that up to 50% of women with UI will avoid sexual intimacy with their spouse.