Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, the loss of bladder control is a common and often problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time, it occurs more often as people get older, urinary incontinence is not an inevitable consequence of aging. If urinary incontinence affects your daily activities.


Types of urinary incontinence:

  • Stress incontinence. Urine leaks when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting something heavy.

  • Urge incontinence. You have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night. Urge incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more-severe condition such as a neurologic disorder or diabetes.

  • Overflow incontinence. You experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn't empty completely.

  • Functional incontinence. A physical or mental impairment keeps you from making it to the toilet in time. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may not be able to unbutton your pants quickly enough.

Some drinks or foods may act as diuretic:

  • Alcohol

  • Caffeine

  • Carbonated drinks and sparkling water

  • Artificial sweeteners

  • Chocolate

  • Chili peppers

  • Foods that are high in spice, sugar or acid, especially citrus fruits

  • Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants


Urinary incontinence isn't always preventable. However, to help decrease your risk:

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Practice pelvic floor exercises

  • Avoid bladder irritants

  • Eat more fiber

  • Don't smoke