Incontinence can happen to anyone but it mostly affects older women but younger women and men can also experience leakage. Incontinence is the strong urge to urinate during the day and night from an overactive bladder. Urinary Incontinence is not a disease but a symptom. It can be caused by everyday habits, medical conditions, or a physical problem. Getting an evaluation from your doctor can determine what is caused behind your incontinence.
Temporary Urinary Incontinence
- Alcohol
It acts as a bladder stimulant and a diuretic, which can cause an urgent need to urinate. - Over hydration
Drinking a lot of fluids, especially in a short period of time, increases the amount of urine your bladder has to deal with. - Caffeine
A diuretic and a bladder stimulant that can cause a sudden need to urinate. - Bladder irritation
Carbonated drinks, tea and coffee - with or without caffeine - artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, and foods and beverages that are high in spice, sugar and acid, such as citrus and tomatoes, can aggravate your bladder. - Medications
Heart medications, blood pressure drugs, sedatives, muscle relaxants and other medications may contribute to bladder control problems. - Urinary tract infection
Infections can irritate your bladder, causing you to have strong urges to urinate. These urges may result in episodes of incontinence - Constipation
Because the rectum is near the bladder and shares many of the same nerves, when hard, compacted stool in your rectum forms these nerves overactive and increase urinary frequency.
Persistent Urinary Incontinence
- Pregnancy and childbirth
Pregnant women may experience stress incontinence because of hormonal changes and the increased weight of an enlarging uterus. In addition, the stress of a vaginal delivery can weaken muscles needed for bladder control. - Aging
Aging of the bladder muscle leads to a decrease in the bladder's capacity to store urine and an increase in overactive bladder symptoms.
