• Stress incontinence occurs when pelvic muscles have been damaged, causing the bladder to leak during exercise, coughing , sneezing, laughing, or any body movement which puts pressure on the bladder. A problem that commonly affects women, stress incontinence may occur after multiple childbirth or menopause. Pelvic fracture, radical prostatectomy, or bladder neck surgery can also damage the sphincter muscle and cause stress incontinence.

• Urge incontinence involves a strong, sudden need to urinate followed by instant bladder contraction and involuntary loss of urine. You don't have enough time between when you recognize the need to urinate and when you actually do urinate.

• Mixed incontinence is the combination of urge and stress incontinence. Many elderly (especially women) will experience symptoms of both urge and stress.

• Functional incontinence refers to incontinence that is secondary to factors other than urinary tract function. Such as surgery to repair a broken hip and you physically have trouble getting to the bathroom in time.

• Transient incontinence refers to temporary or occasional incontinence that may be related to a variety of causes and it is a potentially improvable or reversible cause.

• Overflow incontinence refers to leakage that occurs when the quantity of urine produced exceeds the bladder's holding capacity. It can result from diabetes, pelvic trauma, extensive pelvic surgery, injuries to the spinal cord, shingles, MS, or polio.  

• Bowel incontinence is the inability to control or hold bowel movement, constipation and diarrhea could cause bowel incontinence.

• Urinary track 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 amount, like with poorly controlled diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Weight gain
• Short-term bed rest -- for example, when recovering from surgery
• Mental confusion

• 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

• Bladder retraining involves urinating on a schedule, whether you feel a need to go or not. In between those times, you try to wait until next scheduled time. At first, you may need to schedule 1 hour intervals. Gradually, you can increase by 1/2 hour intervals until you are only urinating every 3-4 hours without leakage.

• Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder and bowel. If you do Kegel exercises regularly and keep your pelvic floor muscles toned, you may reduce your risk of incontinence and similar problems as you get older. Kegel exercises can also help you control urinary incontinence.

Many woman find it difficult to isolate the pelvic floor muscles on their own and do not perform the exercises correctly.  This leads to frustration and feelings that nothing can be done to control their bladder control problems.  Biofeedback can help you learn how to perform Kegel exercises correctly.

• Biofeedback uses vaginal or rectal sensors that gives you immediate feedback, a visual display, about when your pelvic floor muscles are contracted properly and when they are not.

• Electrical stimulation uses low-voltage electric current to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. It can be done at home or at a clinic for 20 minutes every 1 to 4 days.

• Home biofeedback and electrical stimulation devices are alternatives after an evaluation by your health care provider and a diagnosis is determined. These therapies are initiated during office visits and may progress to home therapies if appropriate.

• Vaginal cones are graduated weights that enhance the performance of Kegel exercises for women.

• Regulate your bowels to avoid constipation. Try increasing fiber in your diet.
• Quit smoking to reduce coughing and bladder irritation. Smoking also increases your risk of bladder cancer.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, particularly coffee, which can over-stimulate your bladder.
• Lose weight if you need to.
• Avoid foods and drinks that may irritate your bladder like spicy foods, carbonated beverages, and citrus fruits and juices.
• Keep blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.