Urinary Incontinence: Why Women Leak Urine

Millions of women, young and old, suffer from urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is when you leak urine. Sometimes this leakage can come from physical activity like running, jumping, laughing, or coughing. For some women it is the byproduct of other illnesses. Or it could be simply because you just can't hold it. Whatever the cause, it is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by.

There are several reasons why women have urinary incontinence. At times urinary leakage is only temporary and subsides as soon as the cause is gone. Other times it is associated with long term problems.

Oftentimes urinary incontinence is related to illness. Problems like bladder infections and vaginal infections can temporarily weaken the muscles that control the bladder. Certain medications can also cause this to happen. Additionally, constipation can put pressure on the muscles that control the bladder rendering you helpless. The good news is that as soon as these temporary problems are fixed you will regain control of your bladder.

Another temporary problem associated with urine leakage is pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy the growing fetus puts pressure on the bladder, urethra and the pelvic floor muscles weakening your control of them. During childbirth an episiotomy or tear can also be the culprit. Usually it takes about 6 weeks post-partum for these muscles to recover from all the pressure and trauma. If you are still having problems after this then it is time to see your Doctor. Keep in mind that a small percentage of women do not experience bladder control problems from pregnancy until years later.

Urinary incontinence can also be an on-going dilemma related to other long-term problems. Things like not being able to empty your bladder completely, damage to the bladder or pelvic muscles, a blocked urinary tract, or even diseases like arthritis can be the source of your leakage. It is important to see your Doctor in these cases so that a treatment plan can be determined.