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Urinary incontinence (UI) can be a trying and embarrassing problem. Apart from anecdotal evidence, the prevalence of this condition has not been well characterized. Investigators used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2002 to assess prevalence and risk factors during the prior 12 months for stress (leaking urine with coughing, lifting, or exercise), urge (leaking urine as a result of urge or pressure), and mixed incontinence (both stress and urge) in 2577 women aged 20 and older. Severity was defined as mild (a few episodes per year), moderate (a few episodes per month), or severe (daily). The relation between UI and age, ethnicity, BMI, parity, history of hysterectomy, and several illnesses was ev…