Urinary incontinence, also known as enuresis, is involuntary urine leaking because of bladder control loss. It affects more women than men, but because of its embarrassment, many people don't report it, making it difficult to estimate how common it is statistically.

There are different types of the condition, depending on the causes and circumstances in which it occurs. The most common is stress enuresis, which happens because the pelvis muscles don't support the bladder properly. This causes urine leaks when you exert stress on the bladder by jumping, lifting heavy things, bending, sneezing, or coughing.

You can also experience urge enuresis when your bladder involuntarily contracts, which is also known as an overactive bladder. Overflow enuresis is another common type that happens when your bladder is full, and your muscles can't hold the urine longer.

You might also experience mixed enuresis, a combination of stress and urge enuresis. Suppose you have conditions or diseases like dementia or arthritis. In that case, they might cause functional or total enuresis, making it hard to get to the washroom even if your bladder is not full.

Pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of this condition because they might weaken your pelvic muscles. Other causes include obesity, vaginal infection, aging, menopause, urinary tract infection, prostrate infection, nerve damage by stroke, Parkinson's or diabetes, enlarged prostate, pelvic organ prolapse, or previous surgeries like hysterectomy or prostatectomy.

Some foods like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, large vitamin C doses, acidic foods, chili peppers, and carbonated drinks might also increase your urine volume, making it hard to control.

While the most common symptom is involuntary urine leaks, you might also experience bedwetting, frequent urination, and the inability to empty your bladder completely.

When you experience any of those symptoms, your doctor will examine your medical history to determine if there is any other cause. They might also conduct an internal pelvic exam, prostrate exam, urodynamic tests, ultrasounds, blood tests, urine tests, cystoscopy, and bladder stress tests for an accurate diagnosis.

There are a few treatment options depending on the cause and severity. Some common ones include pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, and medications to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Other doctors may also use electrical stimulation to help contract pelvic floor muscles. You might also get devices like urethral inserts, pessary, catheters, external collecting systems, or urine drainage bags to help collect the urine.

If these treatments don't work, your doctor might recommend surgery like prolapse surgery, sling procedures, or bladder neck suspension.