What is urinary incontinence?

It is the involuntary loss of urine, which becomes a social or hygienic problem.

• Stress incontinence – involuntary loss of urine due to physical increases in intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy things.
• Urge incontinence – when the bladder suddenly contracts involuntarily and expells urine.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence can be caused by:

• Pregnancy and vaginal delivery
• Tissue atrophy with advanced age
• Urethral sphincter deficiency
• Hypoestrogenic changes following menopause

What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?

The symptoms are related to leakage of urine during:

• Coughing
• Laughing
• Sneezing
• Physical activity
• Change in position

The symptoms also include:

• Urgency
• Frequency
• Leakage at night