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Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center

Incontinence & OAB Overview

Urinary incontinence affects more than 12 million American adults. Stress incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) are the main causes of incontinence. Stress incontinence, which is more common in women, causes urine to leak when you laugh or cough. Overactive bladder, also called urge incontinence, is caused by urinary muscle spasms that cause an urgency to urinate. Incontinence can also be caused by multiple pregnancies, being overweight, and genetic weaknesses.

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Depression Linked to Urinary Incontinence in Men

Major depression, hypertension, enlarged prostates, and older age are all associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence in men, a large study suggests.

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Symptoms

The main symptom of urinary incontinence is a problem controlling urination. The circumstances and type of problem affecting urination vary with the cause.

Symptoms of stress incontinence involve the involuntary release of urine, especially when coughing, sneezing, or laughing. It is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. It usually results in a small to moderate amount of urine leaked.

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