2.3 billion people, that’s the number of adults who will experience at least one lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) by 2018, according to a study from the University of North Carolina (UNC). In addition, urinary incontinence is also expected to increase, which means together there will be a staggering number of individuals who can expect to have symptoms of incontinence ranging from urinary frequency to dribbling to getting up multiple times during the night to urinate (nocturia), and failing to reach the toilet in time, among other problems.

The researchers reached their conclusions after using data from two main sources: a telephone survey of more than 19,000 men and women in five countries, and the worldwide and regional population estimates from the US Census Bureau International Data Base, along with definitions from the International Continence Society. Lead author Dr. Debra E. Irwin from the Department of Epidemiology at UNC pointed out that “It is well known that people do not always seek medical attention for urinary problems, so basing our figures on studies using self-reported symptoms is an effective way of measuring worldwide prevalence.”

Some of the findings of the research team include:

• Between 2008 and 2018, the number of people experiencing at least one LUTS will increase by 30% in Africa, 20.5% in South America, 20% in Asia, 16% in North America, and 2.5% in Europe
• Overactive bladder (OAB) will increase worldwide by 20% between 2008 and 2018
• Urinary incontinence will increase worldwide by 22% between 2008 and 2018

These findings led Dr. Irwin to comment “We believe that our study underlines the clear and urgent need to improve the awareness, prevention, diagnosis and management of these conditions.”