Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Urinary incontinence happens when you lose control of your As you age, the muscles supporting your bladder tend to weaken, which can lead to urinary incontinence.Many different health problems can also cause the condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night. There are many potential causes of urinary incontinence. You can potentially experience more than one type at the same time.For example, you might lose control of your bladder when you’re:Such activities put stress on the sphincter muscle that holds urine in your bladder. Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many people experience occasional, minor leaks of urine. They’ll probably want to know how long you’ve been incontinent, which types of incontinence you’ve experienced, and other details.They may also ask about your daily habits, including your typical diet and any medications or supplements that you take. However, to help decrease your risk:Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Causes of Urinary Incontinence. You should seek immediate medical attention if you lose control of your bladder and experience any of the following symptoms:During your appointment, your healthcare provider will likely ask questions about your symptoms.

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Once that urge hits, you may not be able to make it to the bathroom in.There are many potential causes of urinary incontinence. However correct diagnosis is key to an effective treatment. They include:Urinary incontinence may also be caused by an easily treatable medical condition, such as:Urinary incontinence can also be a persistent condition caused by underlying physical problems or changes, including:Factors that increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence include:Complications of chronic urinary incontinence include:Urinary incontinence isn't always preventable. Others may lose small to moderate amounts of urine more frequently.You may feel uncomfortable discussing incontinence with your doctor. Others are more serious and persistent.As you get older, the muscles supporting your bladder typically become weaker, which raises your risk for incontinence.To maintain strong muscles and a healthy bladder, it’s important to Some lifestyle factors can also cause temporary bouts of incontinence. The kidneys, located in the rear portion of the upper abdomen, produce urine by filtering waste and fluid from the blood.Urinary incontinence isn't a disease, it's a symptom. It’s common for prostate issues to cause urinary incontinence. All rights reserved. This is partly due to the fact that things like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are unique to females and create extra pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor that can cause urinary incontinence. It can be caused by everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems. Urinary incontinence is sometimes known as leaky bladder. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The defining characteristic of urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. All rights reserved. UI is usually caused by problems with the pelvic floor muscles that hold the bladder, uterus, and bowel in the correct position and work to prevent unwanted leakage. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be a sign of cancer, kidney stones, infection, or an enlarged prostate.If you experience urinary incontinence, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Some of these conditions are easily treatable and only cause temporary urinary problems. Urge incontinence. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Your prostate may be larger due to a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ). Stress incontinence. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. For example, drinking too much Any instance of incontinence is reason to seek medical help. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The added stress can cause the muscle to release urine.Urge incontinence occurs when you lose control of your bladder after experiencing a sudden and strong urge to urinate. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time.Though it occurs more often as people get older, urinary incontinence isn't an inevitable consequence of aging. Life events are often the cause of urinary incontinence, whether it’s aging or bearing children.

Others may lose small to moderate amounts of urine more frequently.Types of urinary incontinence include: 1. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Instead, it’s a consequence of basic disorders that affect the bladder. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider may order additional tests, including:Your healthcare provider’s recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of your incontinence. An underlying medical condition may require medication, surgery, or other treatments.You may also be encouraged to do certain exercises, such as In certain situations, your healthcare provider may not be able to cure your bladder incontinence.

Urinary incontinence-- when you accidentally leak urine -- is a problem that affects millions of Americans, most of them women.There are several different types, causes, and treatments. If urinary incontinence affects your daily activities, don't hesitate to see your doctor. … Causes can include: Diet and lifestyle.