Cause Of Incontinence
In order to understand the causes of incontinence, it is important to understand how the urinary system works.
Causes Of Incontinence?
The urinary system is made up of two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Urine travels through the ureters into the bladder, where it is stored until it can be emptied out through the urethra.
There are various medical conditions that can lead to incontinence.
These include but are not limited to:
- weak pelvic floor muscles (also known as sphincter muscles),
- weakened nerves in the bladder or spine that control urine storage,
- obesity,
- certain medications such as diuretics and sedatives,
- diabetes,
- stroke,
- dementia,
- multiple sclerosis and
- spinal cord injuries.
In addition to these potential underlying medical conditions, other factors like age (especially in older women) could also play a role in increasing one’s risk for developing incontinence.
Pregnancy can also contribute to incontinence due to physical changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy and childbirth which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles responsible for controlling urine flow.
Lastly, lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can also increase one’s risk for developing incontinence.

Different Incontinence Causes:
Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause incontinence by not being able to properly support the bladder and urethra, leading to leaking of urine during activities like coughing or sneezing.
Weak pelvic floor muscles can also reduce sensation in the bladder and rectum, meaning that a person may not be aware when their bladder is full. This can lead to unintentional leakage of urine, which is known as urinary incontinence.
Weakened nerves in the bladder or spine that control urine storage
When weakened nerves in the bladder or spine are not able to properly control urine storage, it can cause incontinence.
This weakened nerve can be caused by a variety of health factors, including childbirth, aging, and neurological disorders. In many cases, incontinence can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
Obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor for incontinence, as it can put additional stress on the pelvic muscles and cause poor bladder control. Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of developing urinary incontinence and other related urinary issues.
Excess weight can also make it harder to control the pelvic floor muscles, leading to increased risk of incontinence. Additionally, obesity can increase the risk of blockages in the urinary tract, which can further contribute to incontinence.
Certain medications
Incontinence is a condition in which an individual is unable to control their bladder or bowel movements. It can be caused by a number of different factors, including certain medications such as diuretics and sedatives.
Diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions, and they work by increasing the output of urine from the body. Sedatives are drugs that relax the central nervous system, causing feelings of calmness or drowsiness.
These medications can cause incontinence by relaxing the muscles that control the bladder and bowels, resulting in uncontrolled leakage of urine or stool.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition that can cause complications in many different parts of the body, including the bladder.
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control the bladder muscles, resulting in an overactive bladder or an inability to fully empty the bladder.
This can lead to incontinence, which is often described as a feeling of urgency and leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or doing physical activity. Managing diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms of incontinence.
Stroke
Stroke can cause incontinence, which is the inability to control one’s bladder or bowel movements. Stroke survivors may experience either urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence.
Incontinence caused by stroke is usually due to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, disruption of communication between the brain and the muscles used for urination and defecation, or damage from spasticity in the lower extremities.
Treatment options for incontinence caused by stroke include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and occupational therapy.
Dementia
Dementia can cause incontinence, which is an inability to control one’s bladder or bowel.
People with dementia may have difficulties recognizing the need to use the bathroom, may become disoriented and forget how to get to the bathroom, or may lack the physical coordination necessary for toilet use. Other factors like medication side effects and constipation can contribute to incontinence as well.
Caregivers can help by providing proper toileting assistance on a regular basis and ensuring easy access to accessible bathrooms.
Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries.
Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries can both be causes of incontinence.
Incontinence is a symptom of multiple sclerosis, which is caused by damage to the myelin sheath that covers and protects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Spinal cord injuries can also cause partial or complete loss of bladder control, leading to incontinence.