Urinary incontinence is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It refers to the involuntary loss of urine, which can range from mild leakage to complete loss of bladder control.

While aging is a common cause of urinary incontinence, there are also several medical conditions that can lead to this problem. Here’s a list of diseases that are known to cause urinary incontinence.

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common type of bacterial infection that affect the bladder, urethra, and other parts of the urinary tract. UTIs are more common in women than men and can cause a range of symptoms, including urinary incontinence.

If you have a UTI, you may also experience frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, and pelvic pain.

2. Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by an urgent need to urinate, which may be accompanied by urinary incontinence.

OAB can also cause frequent urination, a sudden urge to urinate, and nocturia (frequent urination at night).

3. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. This disease can also cause urinary incontinence, as the muscles that control urination may become weakened.

People with Parkinson’s disease may also experience other urinary problems, such as urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder) and urinary urgency (sudden, urgent need to urinate).

4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. This disease can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, spasticity, and difficulty with coordination.

MS can also lead to urinary incontinence, as the muscles that control urination may become weakened. Other urinary problems associated with MS include urinary urgency and urinary retention.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin. This disease can cause a range of complications, including nerve damage and urinary incontinence.

People with diabetes may experience urge incontinence, which is characterized by sudden urges to urinate.

6. Prostate Problems

Prostate problems are more common in men than women and can cause urinary incontinence. Enlargement of the prostate gland, which is common in older men, can press against the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.

Prostate cancer and prostate surgery can also cause urinary incontinence.

7. Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to damage to the brain tissue. This condition can cause a range of physical and cognitive problems, including urinary incontinence.

People who have suffered a stroke may experience urge incontinence, overflow incontinence (incontinence caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder), or both.

8. Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious medical condition that can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other problems. SCI can also lead to urinary incontinence, as the muscles that control urination may become weakened.

Depending on the location and severity of the injury, people with an SCI may experience urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, or both.

9. Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a common condition that occurs due to the loss of estrogen, which can happen during menopause. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence.

Women with vaginal atrophy may experience urge incontinence, stress incontinence (incontinence caused by physical activity), or both.

10. Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the bladder, which is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including blood in the urine and urinary incontinence.

People with bladder cancer may experience urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, or both.

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence can be caused by a range of medical conditions, including UTIs, OAB, Parkinson’s disease, MS, diabetes, prostate problems, stroke, SCI, vaginal atrophy, and bladder cancer.

If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.