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What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control when you urinate (pee). It can occur when people cough, sneeze or lift something heavy. It is most common among women who have given birth or who have gone through menopause. Weak pelvic floor muscles cause urinary incontinence. In other cases, there can be a slow dribble of urine that is caused by the bladder not fully emptying after urination.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?

Signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence include: urine leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise; urine leaking before you are able to get to the toilet; a slow continuous dribble of urine; frequent urination; an urgent need to …

What causes urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. In women, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and hysterectomy can lead to urinary incontinence. In men, conditions including an enlarged prostate gland or prostate cancer can cause urinary …

Who gets urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can affect both men and women, but there is an increased risk of bladder incontinence if you are a female who has given birth or who have experienced menopause. People who are obese or older in age are also at increased risk.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose urinary incontinence by performing a physical examination and asking you questions about the frequency of incontinence and the times at which incontinence occurs. Other diagnostic tools that can be used include a urine …

How is urinary incontinence treated?

If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, there are many treatment and management options available. To treat the condition, you may be able to train your bladder using behavioral techniques, or strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to better control …

Are there different types of urinary incontinence?

There are many types of urinary incontinence. These include: 1) Stress incontinence, which is the most common form and can occur from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting a heavy object. This commonly affects women who have given birth …

What happens if urinary incontinence occurs during pregnancy?

Urinary incontinence commonly occurs during pregnancy. This is due to the increased pressure on your bladder. It is important to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help control your bladder. If urinary incontinence persists, …

Can urinary incontinence be cured?

In some cases urinary incontinence can be cured, this can occur by simply training your bladder or strengthening your pelvic floor muscles by performing Kegel exercises. In other cases, medications and surgery may be required.

What can be done at home to prevent urinary incontinence?

To help prevent urinary incontinence, you can make simple lifestyle changes. It is important to maintain a healthy body weight. A diet high in fiber can help to prevent constipation. Limiting caffeine and soft drinks can also help …

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 27 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 945 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Bedwetting

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