by Cicely Richard

Created on: October 21, 2008

Urinary incontinence is basically the loss of bladder control. This is a common often embarrassing problem for many individuals. Some individuals have such severe cases that they have to use padding because leakage has the tendency to occur as a result of coughing or sneezing and even laughing too hard. There are a number of causes of incontinence in the millions of people who have the misfortune of suffering from this condition.

One cause of incontinence is pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the increased weight can cause stress on the bladder. Often pregnant women have to constantly run to the bathroom in order to relieve themselves only to be frustrated by the small amount of urine that may be released. It feels like the baby is squeezing the bladder all day. If the baby is delivered vaginally, this weakens the pelvic floor muscles and incontinence continues. The bladder, uterus, rectum and small bowl can get pushed down. Because incontinence often occurs after childbirth, doctors recommend Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.

While incontinence is often associated with hormonal changes in women's bodies, men can also experience temporary or prolonged bladder control problems. As men get older, their prostate begins to enlarge. This usually starts around 40 years old. The condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes a narrowing of the urethra with constricts urine flow. Like women, men may always feel like they have to go to the bathroom but be disappointed when they can't go when they get there. For severe cases, doctors can prescribe medications to relieve this condition.

Urinary tract infections are other causes of incontinence. Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urethra and bladder and multiply. The proliferation of bacteria causes individuals discomfort and makes them have to go to the bathroom all of the time. Incontinence is sometimes the first sign that a person is getting a urinary tract infection. This may be followed by other unpleasant symptoms as burning or pungent-smelling urine. The best way to prevent urinary tract infections is to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. This prevents fecal matter from entering the urinary tract. If the condition worsens, see a doctor.

In addition to physical or medical conditions, even what we put into our bodies can cause incontinence, even temporarily. One dietary cause of incontinence is alcohol consumption. Ever wondered why some people have to pee after partaking of a beverage? This happens because alcoholic beverages are diuretics, which causes the bladder to fill up quickly. This triggers the need to urinate. This can be embarrassing if a person can't make it to the bathroom in time. Caffeine has a similar affect on the body because it too is a diuretic.

Like any condition, if incontinence does not go away on its own, it is important to go to a doctor to make sure that the body is not hiding something serious under its guise.

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