Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It may cause social or hygiene problems. It is not a disease but rather a symptom of a problem with the urinary tract. Although it is more common in older adults than in younger adults, it is not considered a normal part of the aging process.

An adult may lose the ability to control his or her bladder or bowels for many reasons. The loss of control may be temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for the loss of control. These reasons include:

Recommended Related to Urinary Incontinence/OAB

Urinary Incontinence: Kegel Exercises for Pelvic Muscles

Kegel exercises are one of the most effective ways of controlling urinary incontinence naturally. Kegel exercises can help many women and men with urinary incontinence, regardless of cause or age. Kegel exercises aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles that support and hold up the bladder. When the pelvic floor muscles are weak, you are at greater risk for involuntary urine leaks. The value of improving urinary incontinence with Kegel exercises is now widely accepted. Here's what you need to know: ...

Read the Urinary Incontinence: Kegel Exercises for Pelvic Muscles article > >

  • Damage, weakness, or malfunction of the urinary tract or the nerves that control it.
  • Damage, weakness, or malfunction of the bowel or rectum.
  • Diseases of the nervous system.
  • Impaired mental function.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Medicines.
  • Pelvic muscle weakness.
  • Physical problems, such as arthritis, which may interfere with the ability to get to the bathroom on time.
  • Spinal cord injuries.

Uncontrollable leakage of urine may also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). Treating the UTI usually will cure this problem.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Messenger, MD
Last Revised July 15, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 15, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.