Incontinence

Stress incontinence may happen when there is an increase in abdominal pressure such as when you exercise, laugh, sneeze, or cough. Urine leaks due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues. Causes of stress incontinence include:

• Multiple pregnancies and child births, which cause stretching and damage
• Being overweight
• Genetic weakness
• Radiation therapy

Urge incontinence is often called "overactive bladder.” With urge incontinence you have an urgent need to go to the bathroom, often leaking urine. Causes of urge incontinence include:

• Damage to bladder's nerves
• Damage to nervous system
• Damage to muscles

Overflow incontinence occurs when you are not able to completely empty your bladder when you urinate. This type of urinary incontinence is most common in men. Causes of overflow incontinence are:

• Weak bladder muscles
• Blockage of urethra / prostate enlargement
• Certain medical conditions including tumors

Functional incontinence occurs when physical problems such as arthritis or dementia prevent you from getting to the bathroom.