What Causes Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is experienced by a large number of people, regardless of their gender, age and geography. In most people, the condition is temporary and is the direct result of underlying medical conditions like infection, inflammation, nerve injury, arthritis or the side effects of medicines. In such cases, when the underlying condition is treated, incontinence stops. Therefore, an awareness of the causes of UI can help speed up the recovery process.  

There are several physiologic, pathologic, pharmacologic and psychological causes of urinary incontinence.  

Physiologic: In women, multiple pregnancies and nerve damage caused at the time of childbirth cause urinary incontinence. In men, prostate problems are the most common cause of incontinence. A number of physical factors make the problem worse. A number of foodstuffs irritate the bladder. Alcoholic beverages can cause the bladder to fill rapidly and can trigger the uncontrollable urge to ‘let go’. Caffeinated and aerated drinks are irritants. Constipation is another common precursor of urinary incontinence because of the unnecessary pressure it puts on the bladder.   

Pharmacologic: Some medicines that are used to treat medical conditions may prevent normal functioning of the bladder. These include sedatives, anti-spasmodics and anti-depressants. Medications used for treating asthma, cold and heart problems may also cause UI.  

Pathologic: Infection in the urinary tract is a leading cause. Bacterial build up can lead to frequent urges to empty the bladder. Dehydration can also lead to irritation of the bladder through infection. Illness and injury of the bladder muscles can lead to functional incontinence.  

Psychological: A number of psychological factors contribute to urinary incontinence. This is particularly the case in patients who already have a history of incontinence. They feel the urge off and on, and the very belief that they cannot control themselves makes them go to the toilet often. The muscles of the urinary bladder become progressively weak when the bladder is not allowed to retain urine for any amount of time compounding the problem.  

Urinary incontinence is a problem that gets worse with age. Therefore, early intervention is a must if patients desire to experience quick relief from the embarrassment and pain of losing control.