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Causes of Incontinence

While the body’s ageing process can contribute to incontinence, there can be a variety of health conditions and life events that can put you at risk of developing either urinary or faecal incontinence.

The risk factors most commonly linked with urinary incontinence include:

• pregnancy and childbirth
• younger women who have had children
• menopause
• obesity
• urinary tract infections
• constipation
• specific types of surgery such as prostatectomy (removal of all or part of the prostate) and hysterectomy (removal of all or part of the uterus and/or ovaries)

• reduced mobility preventing you from getting to or using
• the toilet
• •neurological and musculoskeletal conditions such as
• multiple sclerosis and arthritis
• health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart
• conditions, respiratory conditions, and prostate problems
• side effects from some medications
• prescribed or natural diuretics including caffeine

A risk factor for faecal incontinence is urinary incontinence. Other risk factors are similar to those of urinary incontinence, but also include:

• constipation
• chronic diarrhoea
• dementia

If you fall into one of these risk categories and are worried about poor bladder or bowel control (or experience symptoms of incontinence) speak to your doctor, a continence health professional or a continence nurse advisor. The good news is that, in many cases, incontinence can be cured and it can always be managed.