What are the Causes of Incontinence? Urinary Incontinence Causes Explained

Urinary incontinence has many causes, some of which are common in both men and women of all ages. For example, 

• Age-related Changes: As we age, bladder muscles can weaken, reducing bladder capacity and increasing the likelihood of involuntary urine leakage and incontinence. 

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These infections can irritate the bladder, resulting in a strong, sudden urge to urinate and sometimes, incontinence and urine leakage. 

• Medication: Certain medication such as diuretics, sedatives, and some antihistamines can affect bladder control by increasing urine production or relaxing bladder muscles, potentially leading to incontinence. 

• Obesity: Excess body weight increases pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles, which can lead to stress incontinence, where physical activity or body movements, such as coughing or exercising, result in urine leakage. 

• Caffeine and Alcohol: Both substances are diuretics and bladder irritants, which can increase urine production and trigger sudden urges to urinate, sometimes leading to or increasing the risk of incontinence. 

• Excessive Fluid Intake: Drinking large quantities of fluids in short periods can overwhelm the bladder, leading to urge incontinence as the body tries to process the fluid quickly. 

• Constipation: Chronic constipation can cause the rectum to expand and press against the bladder, leading to urinary incontinence or increased urinary urgency. 

• Medical conditions: Various health issues from diabetes to a stroke can cause urinary incontinence. 

• Neurological damage: Damage to the brain or nervous system may affect bladder control and lead to urine leakage.  

Women and people who were born female may experience urinary incontinence due to unique physiological and hormonal factors. Understanding these gender-specific incontinence causes is essential for addressing the distinct challenges women and people assigned female at birth face. This section explores how pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and other female-related conditions contribute to the prevalence and nature of urinary incontinence in women. 

• Pregnancy: The physical demands of pregnancy can significantly impact bladder control and is a primary cause of incontinence in women. As the uterus expands, it places pressure on the bladder, while increased hormone levels can relax pelvic tissues, both contributing to stress incontinence. For more detailed information see our dedicated page on pregnancy and incontinence. 

• Menopause: The decline in oestrogen levels during menopause results in thinning of the urethral and vaginal tissues. This reduction in tissue strength and elasticity can impair urinary control and lead to increased episodes of leakage. 

• Childbirth: Vaginal delivery can stretch and weaken pelvic floor muscles and may damage nerves that control the bladder. These changes can lead to stress incontinence, where physical activity or pressure causes urine leakage. 

• Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus can affect pelvic floor stability, as some of the supporting ligaments and tissues are altered or removed during the procedure, potentially resulting in incontinence. 

• Bladder prolapse: This condition occurs when pelvic organs, such as the bladder, drop from their normal position and press against the vaginal wall. Prolapse can cause a sensation of heaviness and can interfere with bladder function, leading to stress or urge incontinence. 

For further information on causes, check out TENA Silhouette Mini Pads for those little leaks and TENA Silhouette Plus Underwear for a greater level of protection. Find women’s incontinence products to suit any need with TENA Women.  

Of course, there are also a number of causes which solely affect men. 

These include: 

• Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH): As men age, the prostate gland can enlarge, potentially obstructing the urethra and leading to overflow incontinence, where the bladder is unable to empty completely. 

• Prostate Surgery: Procedures such as a prostatectomy, which involves the partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, can affect urinary control by disrupting the surrounding muscles and nerves, often resulting in stress incontinence. 

• Urethral Stricture: This condition involves the narrowing of the urethra due to scar tissue, often caused by injury, infection, or surgery. It can lead to difficulty in urination and may cause overflow incontinence as the bladder struggles to empty fully. 

If you need support in managing urine leakage or male incontinence, TENA have a range of products specifically designed for men, from washable incontinence underwear which looks and feels like normal underwear, to incontinence pads for men that help keep you comfortable and dry when exercising and living life to the fullest. 

There are many types of urinary incontinence. Understanding the causes of incontinence can help you take control and live life on your terms.  

Remember, it’s also important to seek advice from healthcare professionals for more specific and personal medical advice tailored to your specific condition and needs. 

Whether you're dealing with pregnancy, prostate issues, or lifestyle changes, know that you're not alone, and there are many ways to manage and improve your condition using TENA incontinence products and other techniques such as pelvic floor exercises. Staying positive and proactive is key!