What Causes Urinary Incontinence? Is it Normal?

Are you worried about frequent, involuntary urine leakage episodes? You may be facing urinary incontinence. It refers to the altered functioning or issues with the natural process of storing and passing urine. There are several reasons that can lead to short-term and long-term consequences. Understanding such causes is, therefore, paramount in finding good treatment options.
This blog breaks down the causes of all types of urinary incontinence. 

Causes of Stress Incontinence

In this case, the pressure inside the bladder exceeds the closing ability of the urethra. This may lead to leakage when laughing, sneezing, or exercising. Common causes include:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness

Damage or weakening of pelvic floor muscles can cause improper urethral closure. This is mostly associated with:

• Vaginal childbirth–causing urinary incontinence after childbirth.

• Changes in hormones in menopause

• Chronic heavy lifting or high-impact activities

Increased Abdominal Pressure 

Additional pressure on the abdomen can stretch the bladder, due to:

• Pregnancy

• Obesity

• Chronic coughing (such as from smoking or lung disease)

Surgical Damage 

Procedures that involve the bladder, prostate, or uterus, including:

• Hysterectomy

• Prostate removal

Neurological Conditions 

Diseases that impair nerve impulses to the bladder, including:

• Parkinson's disease

• Multiple sclerosis

Connective Tissue Disorders 

Diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that weaken support structures.

Causes of Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder. It happens as a result of involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscles. Potential causes include:

Bladder Irritation 

Certain substances or habits can overstimulate the bladder, such as:

• Excess alcohol or caffeine consumption

• Insufficient fluid intake leads to concentrated urine

Neurological Disorders 

Conditions affecting the nerves controlling the bladder, including:

• Stroke

• Spinal cord injury

• Multiple sclerosis

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) 

Infections can inflame the bladder and increase urgency.

Physical Blockages 

They can lead to irritation and frequent bladder contractions due to tumours or stones.

Constipation

It is another cause of urinary urge incontinence, as a full rectum can irritate the bladder and cause the urge to leak. 

Causes of Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence is where the bladder never fully empties, causing leaks to occur at regular intervals. Common causes are:

Bladder Outlet Obstruction 

Blockage preventing full emptying, which can be

• Enlarged prostate in males

• Bladder stones

• Severe constipation

Detrusor Muscle Dysfunction 

Weak bladder muscles may not contract properly due to:

• Diabetes-related nerve damage

• Spinal cord injuries

• Certain medications that affect nerve signals or muscle control.

Causes of Total Incontinence

Total incontinence occurs when your bladder is unable to regulate urine storage and release. This is due to:

Congenital Abnormalities 

Conditions present at birth that impact the bladder's function.

Severe Neurological Damage 

Disorders interfering with nerve impulses, including:

• Major spinal cord injuries

• Advanced multiple sclerosis

Bladder Fistulas

An abnormal tunnel may join the bladder with an adjacent organ, such as the vagina, so urine does not run in its natural pathway. Sometimes, this creates escape channels or by-paths, but incontinence through such anastomoses becomes a feature.

Is Leaking Urine Normal?

Urinary incontinence is common but is not considered normal in ageing or daily life. It can affect people of all ages and genders, though it is more common in older adults, women after childbirth, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

If you experience frequent or severe bladder leaks, you must  seek medical advice to determine the cause and explore urinary incontinence treatment options, including medications, pessary, pelvic floor physical therapy, VTone, FormaV, and Morpheus8V.

Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence

These are not necessarily causes, but some factors do contribute to a person's predisposition to incontinence:

• Age – Weakening of bladder muscles as people age.

• Family History – An inherited tendency towards incontinence.

• Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) – A mix of urinary conditions predisposing someone to incontinence.

Conclusion

Knowing the causes of urinary incontinence will determine the appropriate management strategy. Consultation with a healthcare professional if the bladder control issues persist, may lead to knowing the cause and discussing management techniques.