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Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is loss of bladder control. Symptoms can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. UI is more common as people age. But it is not a normal part of aging. In men, UI can result from prostate problems or nerve damage due to disease or injury:

Men who have had diabetes for many years may develop nerve damage that affects bladder control and sexual function.

Stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis all affect the brain and nervous system, so they can also cause UI.

Overactive bladder is when the bladder squeezes at the wrong time. It may be caused by nerve problems, or it may occur without any clear cause. Symptoms of overactive bladder include:

Urinary frequency — urination 8 or more times a day or 2 or more times at night
Urinary urgency — the sudden, strong need to urinate immediately
Urge incontinence — urine leakage that follows a sudden, strong urge

Spinal cord injury can cause UI by interrupting the nerve signals needed for bladder control.

In neural birth defects such as spina bifida, the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. In severe cases, nerve damage can affect bladder control.

If you have any urination problems, talk to a doctor. Treatment depends on the type of problem you have and what best fits your lifestyle. It may include simple exercises, medicines, special devices or procedures prescribed by your doctor, or surgery.

Additional Resources

Publications

Daily Bladder Diary — This is an hourly diary to help keep track of your fluid intake, bladder control, and accidents.

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/diary/index.htm

Talking to Your Health Care Team About Bladder Control — This publication gives tips on how to talk with your health care provider about bladder control problems. It includes a patient questionnaire to fill out and take to the first appointment.

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/pdf/talk_ez.pdf

Urinary Incontinence in Men — This fact sheet explains what causes urinary incontinence in men, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uimen/index.htm

Men's Health: Urinary Incontinence (Copyright © University of Maryland Medical Center) — This fact sheet explains the different kinds of urinary incontinence men experience, what the symptoms are, and management and treatment options.

http://www.umm.edu/men/urinary.htm

Urinary Incontinence (Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians) — This publication provides information on the causes and types of urinary incontinence. It also discusses bladder training, Kegel exercises, and other forms of treatment.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/gen-health/189.html

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated June 1, 2009.