The incidence of different forms of incontinence is reported as a short survey. Particular attention is given to the various opinions on the effect of pregnancy, birth and diminishing ovarian function on the occurrence of closure insufficiency. Also the frequency of urinary incontinence arising from bladder conditions is variously assessed. The proportion is certainly high in "operation failure" or recurrent incontinence. Organic causes are only found in a bare fifth of patients with stress incontinence, Iatrogenic urinary incontinence is rare, but imposes particular demands on the attending doctor. Involuntary loss of urine is very widespread among women, but it is relatively seldom found to be troublesome and to require treatment.