Urinary incontinence is any leaking from the bladder that can't be controlled. The amount that is leaked differs between people. It can range from dribbling to a full clearing of the bladder.
Other symptoms differ based on the type of incontinence. They may be one or more of following:
- Leaking caused by laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or exercise
- A strong urge pass urine followed by loss of urine
- Can't hold urine long enough to make it to a bathroom
- A hard time starting to pass urine
- Straining to empty the bladder
- Reduced stream or dribbling
- Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully emptied out
- Pain when passing urine
If you have any of these, call your doctor. These are often a symptom of other health problems.
References
Symptoms & causes of bladder control problems (urinary incontinence). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/symptoms-causes. Updated June 2018. Accessed January 17, 2019.
Urinary incontinence. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Urinary-Incontinence. Updated February 2016. Accessed January 17, 2019.
Urinary incontinence in adults. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/voiding-disorders/urinary-incontinence-in-adults. Updated July 2018. Accessed January 17, 2019.
Urinary incontinence in men. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T900624/Urinary-incontinence-in-men . Accessed December 4, 2018. Accessed January 17, 2019.
Urinary incontinence in women. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T900573/Urinary-incontinence-in-women . Accessed November 14, 2018. Accessed January 17, 2019.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
- Review Date: 12/2018
- Update Date: 01/17/2019