Loss of bladder control is a medical condition that makes it difficult for people to hold their urine. Nearly 200 million people worldwide suffer from loss of bladder control or urinary incontinence, according to the National Association for Urinary Continence.

Types

There are two types of loss of bladder control--temporary and chronic. Temporary loss is usually treatable by means of small lifestyle changes, while chronic loss occurs because of changes in the body.

Causes

Alcohol, drinking too much liquid throughout the day, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, heart medications, urinary tract infections and constipation may all irritate the bladder and cause temporary loss of bladder control. Causes of chronic loss include prostate infections or cancer; bladder cancer or stones; degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; stroke; spinal cord injuries; and changes in pelvic muscle tone due to hysterectomy, childbirth or the degenerative effects of aging.

Symptoms

In some cases, loss of bladder control results in the leaking of urine; in more severe cases the person cannot hold urine until he reaches a toilet. Some patients experience loss of control when they sneeze or cough; some describe sudden, severe urgency; and others dribble urine randomly throughout the day without having the urge to urinate.

Misconceptions

Approximately one-third of Americans ages 30 to 70 believe that loss of bladder control is a normal part of life that people must endure, reports the National Association for Urinary Continence. In fact, treatments are often available that can help improve quality of life.

Treatments

For temporary loss, avoiding things that irritate the bladder or treating an infection with antibiotics usually alleviates incontinence, explains the Mayo Clinic. Depending on the cause of chronic loss, doctors use one or a combination of treatments, such as bladder therapy, fluid and dietary management, urinary implants, pelvic floor exercises and medications like anticholinergics.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Urinary Incontinence

National Association for Continence: Facts & Statistics