What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Incontinence is not an inevitable result of aging, but is particularly common in older people. It is often caused by specific changes in body function that may result from diseases, use of medications, and/or the onset of an illness. Sometimes, it is the first and only symptom of a urinary tract infection.

What are some of the different types of urinary incontinence?

The following are some of the different types of urinary incontinence:

• Urge incontinence - the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a restroom; it is often found in people who have conditions such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis; however, it may be an indication of other diseases or conditions that would also warrant medical attention
• Stress incontinence - the most common type of incontinence involves the leakage of urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or other body movements that put pressure on the bladder
• Functional incontinence - leakage due to difficulty reaching a restroom in time because of physical conditions, such as arthritis
• Overflow incontinence - leakage that occurs when the quantity of urine produced exceeds the bladder's capacity to hold it