Causes of Incontinence
Stress Incontinence in Women is often the result of multiple vaginal births or a breakdown in the urethra due to decreased estrogen levels as the woman ages.
Stress Incontinence in Men can be caused by an enlarged prostate or a traumatic event to the pelvis at some time in the man’s life. Obesity can also cause the muscles of the pelvis to relax and cause stress incontinence.
Urge Incontinence is most often caused by disorders of the Central Nervous System such as Alzheimer’s Disease, CVA and Parkinson’s Disease. Spinal cord injuries and BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, or an enlarged Prostate) are also common causes of Urge Incontinence as are Urinary Tract Infections.
Reflex Incontinence is caused by cerebrovascular accidents, spinal cord injuries and brain tumors.
Overflow Incontinence can be caused by an outlet obstruction, BPH (enlarged prostate), Neurogenic bladder or a fecal impaction.
Functional Incontinence is caused by factors outside the urinary tract, such as immobility or cognitive impairment. The individual would be continent if the external factor was eliminated.