An individual’s ability to control urine flow depends on the health of the kidneys, nervous system and lower urinary tract. The individual must also be able to physically and mentally recognize and then respond to the need to urinate. 

The majority of incontinence problems occur when the bladder muscles are overactive or not strong enough. If the bladder muscles are weak, accidents may occur whenever an individual laughs, lifts heavy objects, or sneezes. If the muscles of the bladder are overactive, a strong urge to urinate will occur, even when the bladder is nearly empty. Symptoms vary from slight leakage to uncontainable wetting. Urinary incontinence can happen at any age, but is more common in the elderly.

Urinary incontinence is rather common. This condition causes an inability to control urine flow. Some experience minor leaks/dribbles occasionally while others urinate on their clothing quite frequently. Urinary incontinence has various causes.

There are several different kinds of urinary incontinence:

Urge incontinence is an abrupt and intense need to urinate, causing an unintentional urine loss. Frequent urination, including during the night, is another sign of Urge incontinence. 

Stress incontinence is when there is a leakage of urine when pressure is exerted on the bladder. These pressures include; sneezing, coughing, exercising, lifting a heavy object, bending or laughing.

Overflow incontinence is frequent or constant dribble of urine. Some of the signs of overflow incontinence include; experiencing a feeling of the inability to empty the bladder completely, producing a weak stream of urine while urinating is also a sign of overflow incontinence.

Mixed incontinence is when more than one kind of incontinence symptoms is experienced.

Total incontinence is when there is a continuous urine leakage, 24 hours a day, or periodic unmanageable leaking of sizable amounts of urine.

Functional incontinence is when another condition disables someone from being able to make it to prepare for urination on time (arthritis, inability to remove clothing in sufficient amount of time). 

Symptoms of urinary incontinence may include:

Involuntary urine release while sneezing, coughing, laughing, a physical activity putting strain on the abdomen and the bladder, lifting and bending 

Recurrent unexpected urge to urinate and the inability to make it to the restroom in time

Loss of urine upon changing positions, sitting to standing or lying to standing

Incessant bladder leakage 

Sporadic failure to control the bladder, resulting in leakage of a few drops (mild) to wet underwear (moderate) to wet outerwear (severe)

Disrupted sleep because of the need to urinate at least two times during the night (nocturia) 

Frequent urination at least eight times daily (polyuria)

Bed wetting (enuresis)

Leakage of urine during intercourse

Having to strain to empty the bladder

Trouble initiating urination (difficulty starting to urinate)