Urinary incontinence overview

Urinary incontinence is surprisingly common. It is estimated that 13% of women and 5% of men have some degree of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) are the main causes of incontinence. Stress incontinence, which is more common in women, causes urine to leak when you laugh or cough. Overactive bladder, also called urge incontinence, is caused by urinary muscle spasms that cause an urgency to urinate. Incontinence can also be caused by multiple pregnancies, being overweight and genetic weaknesses.