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Urinary Incontinence
Alternate Names : Incontinence - Urinary, Loss of Bladder Control, Uncontrollable Urination, Urination - Uncontrollable
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Urinary Incontinence: Common Causes
Incontinence may be sudden and temporary, or ongoing and long-term. Causes of sudden or temporary incontinence include:
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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)
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Increased urine amounts, such as from poorly controlled diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Weight gain
- Short-term bedrest -- for example, when recovering from surgery
- Mental confusion
Causes that may be more long-term include:
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Spinal injuries
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Urinary tract anatomical abnormalities
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Neurological abnormalities like multiple sclerosis or stroke
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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
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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
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Depression or Alzheimer's disease
- Nerve or muscle damage after pelvic radiation
- Bladder cancer
- Bladder spasms
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Urinary Incontinence: Overview & Considerations
• Urinary Incontinence: Common Causes
• Urinary Incontinence: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Bedwetting
• Fecal Impaction
• Stress Incontinence
• Urge Incontinence
• Urinary Tract Infection
Tests & Exams
• Cystoscopy
• Urinalysis
• Urine Culture - Clean Catch
Surgery & Procedures
• Prostate Removal
Other Topics
• Biofeedback
• Bowel Incontinence
• Depression
• Kegel Exercises
• Urinary Incontinence Products
• Urination - Excessive Volume
Review Date : 10/23/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by David R. Knowles M.D., Department of Urology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus, New York, New York, Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/28/2002).
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