Northern Ireland's health trusts have recorded increases in people seeking treatment for incontinence. The Belfast Trust noted a 25% rise in monthly referrals since 2020. Demand exceeds service capacity, leading to waits of six weeks for urgent cases and 13 weeks for routine ones.

The South Eastern Health Trust reported waits of 12 weeks for urgent referrals and 18-20 months for routine appointments. Its continence specialist nurse Julie Edmonds works with four other specialists. Self-referrals from men and women have surged, with patients ranging from age 18 to over 100.

The Western Trust saw a 13% increase in its pelvic health physiotherapy service. Gráinne Donnelly, an advanced practice pelvic health physiotherapist, stated that pelvic floor muscle training can resolve most cases in women and prevent the need for surgery if started early.

Aimee Oliver, a 37-year-old personal trainer from Northern Ireland and mother of three, developed urinary incontinence after her first childbirth in her 20s. Leaks occur during coughing, sneezing, or exercise. She qualified for the women's Pro Hyrox World championships for the second year and won the overall female category at a recent Belfast competition despite symptoms.

Oliver uses thick shorts, pads, a pessary, and a device but still experiences visible leaks during activity. She faces a six-year NHS wait for pelvic floor surgery and plans private treatment. She stated that postpartum physiotherapy is not routinely available in Northern Ireland.

Julie Edmonds attributed some cases to factors like coffee consumption, which affects bladder muscle and increases urinary frequency. She recommended switching to decaf, water, or diluted juices for improvement within two weeks. Both Edmonds and Donnelly emphasized pelvic floor exercises as key to managing the condition.