Understanding Urine Leakage: Causes, Types & When to See a Doctor

Leaking urine generally indicates a mild form of urinary incontinence, or the inability to control your bladder. In most cases, urinary incontinence is the result of aging. However, it can also be caused by bladder infections, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and medications for cardiovascular disease.

Types

• Stress incontinence means you leak urine while coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. Overflow incontinence means you leak urine because your bladder's always full. Urge incontinence means you can't hold urine for very long. Mixed incontinence means your leaking urine has multiple causes.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors for leaking urine include pregnancy, kidney disease, prostate gland problems, chronic coughing, nerve damage, obesity, and advanced age.

Misconceptions

• The Mayo Clinic (2009) notes that leaking urine is not a disease; it's a symptom. Thus, leaking urine commonly indicates a more serious underlying condition.

Prevention

• Controlling your body weight, regular exercise, eating foods rich in fiber, and avoiding alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes all help prevent leaking urine.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on the cause of your leaking urine. Doctors will prescribe lifestyle changes, medications, exercises, surgery, or a combination of treatments.