Urinary incontinence is a term used for uncontrollable loss of urine. The amount of urine lost can be a little or a lot. It occurs in children and adults. Most children naturally gain control of their bladders by the time they are three and one-half years old. Some may take longer. As men and women grow older, they are likely to have a problem with it. Symptoms of incontinence include:
* Urine leaks during a sneeze, laugh, or cough.
* Urine leaks when lifting or running.
* Not enough time to reach a toilet once the urge to urinate is felt.
* Urine continues to dribble after urinating.
* Urine leakage follows an intense desire to empty the bladder.
* Continual leakage of urine.

Kinds of incontinence:
* Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. Periodic leakage occurs during a sudden physical strain. It commonly occurs after childbirth, with obesity, or normal aging.
* Overflow incontinence occurs in chronic urine retention when the bladder is always full. Dribbling is constant. An obstruction such as an enlarged prostate gland causes this.
* Urge incontinence is the inability to suppress a sudden urge to urinate. A sudden change in position may start the urination that continues until the bladder is empty.
* Total incontinence is constant leakage. A complete lack of bladder control prevents urine retention.

Urinary incontinence can result from bladder stones or tumors, urinary tract infections, and reaction to medications. Other causes include damage to the brain or spinal cord due to injury or disease, cancer of the prostate, and weak pelvic muscles. The treatment varies and depends on the cause. Pelvic muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) can result in a slow improvement in those with mild urine loss. Drug therapy or minor surgery may get rid of the problem for many older adults. Pads may be used to prevent wetting of clothing. In severe cases, an internal or external urinary catheter may be used.

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