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Urinary incontinence


Incontinence may be sudden and temporary, or ongoing and long-term. Causes of sudden or temporary incontinence include:

  • Urinary tract infection or inflammation
  • Prostate infection or inflammation
  • Stool impaction from severe constipation, causing pressure on the bladder
  • Side effects of medications (such as diuretics, tranquilizers, some cough and cold remedies, certain antihistamines for allergies, and antidepressants)
  • Increased urine amounts, like with poorly controlled diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Weight gain
  • Short-term bedrest -- for example, when recovering from surgery
  • Mental confusion


Causes that may be more long-term:

  • Spinal injuries
  • Urinary tract anatomical abnormalities
  • Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or stroke
  • Weakness of the sphincter, the circular muscles of the bladder responsible for opening and closing it; this can happen following prostate surgery in men, or vaginal surgery in women
  • Pelvic prolapse in women -- falling or sliding of the bladder, urethra, or rectum into the vaginal space, often related to having had multiple pregnancies and deliveries
  • Large prostate in men
  • Depression or Alzheimer's disease
  • Nerve or muscle damage after pelvic radiation
  • Bladder cancer
  • Bladder spasms

References:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Urinary incontinence in women. Obstet Gynecol. 2005; 105(6): 1533-1545.

Madersbacher H, Madersbacher S. Men's bladder health: urinary incontinence in the elderly (Part I). J Mens Health Gend. 2005; 2(1): 31-37.

Kielb SJ. Stress incontinence: alternatives to surgery. Int J Fertil Womens Med. 2005; 50(1): 24-29.




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