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 bed rest -- 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
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
