Urinary incontinence

Involuntary loss of urine due to failure of normal bladder storage and urethral sphincter control mechanisms, resulting in leakage that may be intermittent or continuous, ranging from minimal dribbling to complete inability to retain urine.

Causes

• Stress incontinence

  • Weak pelvic floor muscles

  • Weak urethral sphincter

  • Pregnancy

  • Childbirth

  • Menopause

• Urge incontinence

  • Overactive bladder

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Stroke

• Overflow incontinence

  • Urethral stricture

  • Damaged or poorly contractile bladder

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Functional incontinence

  • Dementia

  • Immobility

  • Reduced mobility or difficulty accessing the toilet

• Neurogenic bladder (lack of bladder control)

  • Trauma or spinal cord injury

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Stroke

  • Brain tumor

  • Spina bifida

  • Diabetes mellitus (autonomic neuropathy)

• Medications

  • Decongestants/vasoconstrictors

  • Antihistamines

  • Tricyclic antidepressants

  • Urinary incontinence medications with anticholinergic effects

• Structural causes

  • Cystocele

  • Severe constipation