The idea of adult incontinence used to be regarded as something of a 'family secret', but the people are starting to realise the prevalence of the condition, it has been claimed.

Dr Karthik Gunasekaran, a urogynaecologist in Chennai, India, told the New Indian Express that most people over the age of 50 are probably affected by urinary incontinence.

"About 40 to 70 per cent of the populace can be suffering, but don't know what to do about it," the expert claimed.

Dr Gunasekaran is launching a new service aimed at increasing awareness of urinary incontinence.

He explained: "After losing control of the urinary or bowel movements, people wait for anywhere between three to seven years before deciding to get specialist help.

"Thankfully, people are waking up to the reality that the social stigma of accepting that 'you have an issue holding your excreta inside' is a real problem and can be cured."

Non-surgical treatments for urinary incontinence include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor muscle training and bladder training, while medication and surgery may also be considered.