Loss of bladder control is called urinary incontinence. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having sudden, unpredictable episodes of strong urinary urgency. It is caused by physiologic, pharmacologic, pathologic, or psychological factors.About 12 million adults in the United States have urinary incontinence. It's most common in women over 50 years old. But it can also affect younger people, especially women who have just given birth. Urinary incontinence is not associated with increased mortality. The medical morbidity includes perineal candidal infection, cellulitis, pressure sores, constant skin irritation and moisture, urosepsis from indwelling catheters, falls and fractures from slipping on urine, and sleep deprivation from nocturia.

The several types of urinary incontinence, stress, urge, and mixed incontinence account for more than 90% of cases. Bladder control problems have been found to be associated with higher incidence of many other health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Some factors increase risk of developing urinary iIncontinence common condition. Being overweight increases the pressure on your bladder and surrounding muscles. Smokers are also at risk of developing overactive bladder. People with extensive vascular disease that can occur with aging are at increased risk of overactive bladder. Other diseases such as kidney disease or diabetes may increase your risk of urinary incontinence. There are other causes of incontinence, such as prostate problems and nerve damage.

Treatment depends on the type of problem. One of the most common treatment recommendations includes exercising the muscles of the pelvis. Biofeedback uses measuring devices to help the patient become aware of his or her body's functioning. Stress incontinence can be treated with special exercises, called Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises can also help men. It may take 3 to 6 months to see an improvement. A medicine called oxybutynin (brand name: Ditropan) can be used for urge incontinence and too-frequent urination. Another medication, called imipramine, is also used to treat sleepwetting. It acts on both the brain and the urinary bladder. A Foley catheter is helpful in cases of neurogenic bladder and overflow incontinence to prevent hydronephrosis Surgery are other options to treat Urinary Incontinence.