The global market for neurostimulation devices, such as those used to treat urinary incontinence, is set to increase, according to a new report.

Neurostimulation devices are designed to treat a range of nerve disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, chronic pain and urinary incontinence. In the case of adult incontinence, the technique can be used to send mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves, which control the bladder and the muscles involved in urination.

According to the latest research by Companies and Markets, the global market for devices such as these is set to grow by 14 per cent per year, potentially reaching $4.7 billion (£2.9 billion) by 2017. The report claims that the largest market for these products is currently the US. It explains: "The US, like many other developed countries, has an ageing population which is also driving the development and growth of the market."
The charity Age UK estimates that between three million and 3.5 million people in the UK are affected by some degree of incontinence, with more than half over the age of 65.

This may lead them to rely on products such as incontinence pads, incontinence pants or specially designed incontinence sheets.