Loss of bladder control is called urinary incontinence. It can happen to anyone, but is very common in older people. At least 1 in 10 people age 65 or older has this problem. Symptoms can range from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting. Women are more likely than men to have incontinence.
Aging does not cause incontinence. It can occur for many reasons. For example, urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, constipation, and
certain medicines can cause bladder control problems that last a short
time. Sometimes incontinence lasts longer. This
might be due to problems such as:
- weak bladder muscles,
- overactive bladder muscles,
- blockage from an enlarged
prostate,
- damage to nerves that control
the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s
disease, or
- diseases such as arthritis that can make walking painful and slow.
Many people with bladder control problems hide the problem from everyone, even from their doctor. There is no need to do that. In most cases urinary incontinence can be treated and controlled, if not cured. If you are having bladder control problems, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor.
