Boots WebMD Partners in Health
Return To Boots

Urinary Incontinence health centre

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.

Select a chapter

RSS Feed | Help

Latest headlines

Petition to protect public loos

Campaign launched to get the provision of public toilets enshrined in law

Read full article

WebMD Video: Now Playing

boots-menopause-myths.mov

Menopause symptoms

From hot flushes to mood changes: learn how to manage and treat menopause symptoms.

Popular Slideshows & Tools on Boots WebMD

baby eating from spoon
Baby food dos and don'ts
thumbnail for Weight Gain Shockers slideshow
Why you’re getting fat
donut on plate
Get the facts
Immune-boosting foods
The role of diet
Adult skin problems
Recognise these?
thumbnail of flat abs
Top tips to tone your tummy
toddler
What to expect in year 2
sick woman
How to tell and why it matters