Which patient demographic is most commonly affected by urinary incontinence?

Postmenopausal women are most commonly affected by urinary incontinence due to several physiological and hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause. The decline in estrogen levels associated with menopause leads to changes in the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral support structures, which can contribute to weakened bladder control and an increased risk of incontinence.

Additionally, urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women can be exacerbated by factors such as childbirth history, age, and obesity, further making this demographic particularly susceptible. The multifactorial nature of urinary incontinence often involves not just hormonal changes but also lifestyle and anatomical factors that are prevalent in this group, underscoring the need for targeted approaches to management and treatment for these patients.

In contrast, young males, children, and active athletes tend to have a lower incidence of urinary incontinence due to different anatomical, developmental, and physiological factors that support more consistent bladder control.