Topic Overview

• Topic Overview
• Cause
• Symptoms
• What Happens
• What Increases Your Risk
• When To Call a Doctor
• Exams and Test
• Treatment Overview
• Prevention
• Home Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Other Treatment

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine. It is not a disease but a symptom of a problem with the lower urinary tract . Urinary incontinence is very common, especially among older adults. For most women, the main effect of urinary incontinence is social or hygienic problems.

How is urinary incontinence classified?

Urinary incontinence is classified as acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

• Acute incontinence is a temporary loss of urine control that ends when the problem causing it is successfully treated. Acute incontinence may be caused by a urinary tract infection , a medication side effect, constipation, or bladder stones .
• Chronic incontinence is a long-term loss of urine control. There are two main types of chronic incontinence:
  • Stress incontinence is the loss of urine when you put pressure on your abdomen through activities such as sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women.
  • Urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder, is an urge to urinate that is so strong you cannot reach the toilet in time, even when your bladder contains only a small amount of urine.