Written by Sophie Bebeau on Tue Aug 05 2025.
Urinary incontinence is a common medical condition, especially among older adults, that can disrupt daily life if not managed properly. While the topic can feel sensitive, it's important to remember that incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of. As people age, the risk of developing this condition increases due to changes in anatomy, hormones, and lifestyle. Chronic health conditions, certain medications, and even choices like smoking can also play a role.
Understanding the signs and symptoms can help you seek timely treatment and prevent the condition from worsening. If you or a loved one are experiencing urinary incontinence, know that you're not alone and that effective solutions are available.
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control. While it can affect people of any age, it's particularly common in adults over 65. The primary symptom is an involuntary leakage of urine or difficulty holding urine for a long time due to weakened bladder muscles or the nerves that control them.
The most common types of urinary incontinence include:
Stress incontinence: Involuntary urine leakage caused by activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Urge incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate immediately followed by an involuntary loss of urine.
Overflow incontinence: The involuntary leakage of urine due to a bladder that doesn't empty completely.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often require long-term management to keep them under control.
While aging is a significant factor, many things can contribute to urinary incontinence. As our bodies age, hormonal changes and muscle weakening can lead to less bladder control. Women tend to experience incontinence more often than men, with about 40% of women over 65 developing it due to hormonal changes during menopause.
Common causes of urinary incontinence in older adults include:
Weakened pelvic floor muscles: These muscles support the bladder and urethra, and when they weaken, they can't effectively prevent leakage.
Nerve damage: Chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis or diabetes can damage the nerves that control bladder function.
Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can weaken pelvic floor muscles.
Lifestyle factors: Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine, or eating foods that irritate the bladder, can worsen symptoms.
Medications: Certain drugs, including those for blood pressure and heart conditions, can have urinary incontinence as a side effect.
Pelvic organ prolapse: This occurs when the bladder, rectum, or uterus shifts from its normal position, putting pressure on the bladder.
For women, urinary incontinence can also be caused by urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, or hormonal changes during menopause. In men, common causes include an enlarged prostate, inflammation of the prostate gland, or nerve and muscle damage from surgery.
Most cases of urinary incontinence can be managed with simple lifestyle changes. Here are some effective strategies to consider.
A wide variety of products are available to help you manage daily bladder leakage.
Incontinence pads: Similar to menstrual pads, these are specifically designed for urine absorption and come in various shapes and absorbencies. They are discreet and comfortable.
Adult diapers and pull-ups: These provide more complete protection for those with heavier incontinence. They are available in both disposable and reusable options.
Underpads and mattress covers: Also known as bed pads, these can be used on furniture, in cars, or on wheelchairs to protect surfaces and make cleanup easier.
Performing pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can be an effective way to manage incontinence. These exercises involve tightening and releasing the muscles around your pelvic area. They help strengthen your bladder control and increase bladder capacity. Both men and women can perform Kegel exercises.
Scheduled bathroom breaks: Instead of waiting for the urge to urinate, train your bladder by scheduling bathroom breaks every two to four hours. You can gradually increase the time between breaks as your bladder adjusts.
Double voiding: After urinating, wait a few minutes and then try to urinate again. This helps ensure your bladder is completely empty and can prevent overflow incontinence.
Avoid bladder irritants: Cut back on alcohol and caffeine, as they can worsen incontinence. Both act as diuretics, increasing urine production. Spicy and acidic foods, artificial sweeteners, and soda can also irritate the bladder.
Stay hydrated: While it may seem counterintuitive, limiting water intake can reduce your bladder's capacity. Drinking six to eight glasses of water (or other decaffeinated, non-sugary liquids) daily helps keep your bladder healthy and can also prevent constipation.
Quit smoking: The chemicals in cigarettes can irritate the bladder, and the chronic coughing associated with smoking can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, making bladder leakage worse.
Manage weight: Carrying excess weight puts extra pressure on your bladder and can weaken pelvic floor muscles.
Modify exercise: High-impact exercises like jumping and jogging can put pressure on the bladder. Opt for low-impact activities like pilates, yoga, swimming, or walking.
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, a doctor can recommend medical treatments. These may include:
Medications: Different types of medications can help control incontinence, such as Botox injections, muscle relaxants, and alpha-blockers.
Vaginal estrogen cream: A low-dose cream can be applied to the vaginal area to help reduce the urge to urinate.
Catheters: Medical devices that drain urine from the bladder. There are various types, including intermittent and external catheters.
Vaginal pessary ring: A soft, silicone ring inserted into the vagina to support the muscles around the bladder and reduce leakage.
Electrical stimulation: Electrodes are used to send mild currents to the pelvic muscles, strengthening them.
Surgery: The most common surgical procedure involves inserting a sling to support the urethra.
While some bladder leakage is a normal part of aging, you should see a doctor if you experience a sudden loss of bladder control or if your symptoms don't improve with lifestyle changes.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
Painful or cloudy urination.
Blood in your urine.
The urge to urinate more than eight times a day.
Difficulty starting to urinate.
A strong urge to urinate but only voiding small amounts.
A sudden onset of bladder leakage that is new for you.
Urinary incontinence can be an uncomfortable part of aging, but many effective ways exist to manage it. By making basic lifestyle adjustments, such as modifying your diet, performing pelvic floor exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can significantly control bladder leakage.
If these measures don't provide enough relief, or if your symptoms become more severe, it's important to talk to a doctor for further evaluation and advice. Remember, solutions are available, and you don't have to manage this condition alone.
Are you looking for more information on managing urinary incontinence or need help finding the right products? Feel free to reach out.
Urinary incontinence affects more than 25 million Americans. To help, we created a free checklist download for urinary incontinence care.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Since our Caregiving Specialists regularly receive calls about urinary incontinence, incontinence management, and incontinence products, we wanted to provide some pro tips for managing urinary incontinence in public.
Read More >Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.
