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Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. 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. If urinary incontinence affects your daily activities, don't hesitate to see your doctor. For most people, simple lifestyle and dietary changes or medical care can treat symptoms of urinary incontinence.

Symptoms & Types

Many people experience occasional, minor leaks of urine. Others may lose small to moderate amounts of urine more frequently. Types of urinary incontinence include:

  • Stress incontinenceUrine leaks when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting something heavy.
  • Urge incontinenceYou have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night. Urge incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more severe condition such as a neurological disorder or diabetes.
  • Overflow incontinenceYou experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn't empty completely.
  • Functional incontinenceA physical or mental impairment keeps you from making it to the toilet in time. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may not be able to unbutton your pants quickly enough.
  • Mixed incontinenceYou experience more than one type of urinary incontinence — most often this refers to a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Complications

  • Skin problemsRashes, skin infections and sores can develop from constantly wet skin.
  • Urinary tract infectionsIncontinence increases your risk of repeated urinary tract infections.
  • Impacts on your personal lifeUrinary incontinence can affect your social, work and personal relationships.

Prevention

Urinary incontinence isn't always preventable. However, to help decrease your risk:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Practice pelvic floor exercises
  • Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods
  • Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence
  • Don't smoke, or seek help to quit if you're a smoker