Did you know that around one-third of adults in this country live with urinary incontinence? While incontinence among women is most common, with approximately 30% of women over age 30 afflicted, nobody is immune to incontinence. Men can become incontinent, too, especially over age 40 and older. There are generally two different types of urinary incontinence:  

• Stress incontinence is when you are incontinent due to stress on the bladder, such as when you laugh or cough.  

• Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder when you feel like you need to go to the bathroom frequently and urgently.  

So, what are the underlying causes of incontinence- and, most importantly, what can you do to prevent it from happening? Here is what you should know: 

Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Since there are different kinds of urinary continence, the root cause will vary. Sometimes incontinence is a result of bladder capacity or mobility limitations. Furthermore, cognition plays a role in letting the individual know when they need to go, so those that have experienced a stroke or brain injury may struggle with incontinence.  

Some of the most common causes of urinary incontinence are:   

• Age. 

• Menopause or pregnancy. 

• Overactive bladder. 

• Urinary stones. 

• Urinary tract infection. 

• Weak pelvic muscles. 

• Enlarged prostate. 

• Some medications. 

The best approach to finding out what is behind your incontinence is to talk with a trusted medical provider. They can determine if a medical issue is causing your symptoms, as well as the best treatment approach to take.  

Treatment for Urinary Incontinence

Some simple lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help many with managing urinary incontinence. These include:  

• Eat a diet that is rich in fiber.  

• Drink plenty of water every day. 

• Limit caffeine and alcohol to prevent an overactive bladder. 

• Maintain a healthy weight. Use diet and exercise to lose a few pounds if you are overweight. 

• Engage in regular physical activity. 

• Avoid smoking, which can cause an overactive bladder.  

Always discuss these lifestyle changes with your provider, especially if you have medical issues or pre-existing conditions. Some doctor recommendations for urinary incontinence might include these treatment interventions: 

• Bladder training, which involves holding and suppressing the urge to urinate over time.  

• Learning how to completely 'double void' or empty your bladder completely. 

• Scheduled toileting, or going to the bathroom on a schedule, typically every two hours.  

• Fluid management, which restricts liquids and certain foods, could contribute to the issue. 

Don't let urinary incontinence control or compromise your quality of life. Talk to your provider to find out more about incontinence treatments.