Stress incontinence causes urine to leak out with activities, such as sneezing, laughing and coughing, or with any effort that increases pressure on the bladder, such as bending or exercise. It usually comes with little warning and causes an abrupt and uncontrollable need to urinate. Overflow incontinence is caused by a weakened bladder or a blocked urethra, making it impossible for the bladder to empty completely. This eventually causes the urine to overflow and leak out. Diabetes, heavy alcohol use and certain neurologic problems can cause overflow incontinence.
Bowel incontinence can range from occasional leakage to complete loss of bowel control.
Normal control of bowel movements depends on proper functioning of the colon, rectum, anal muscles and entire nervous system. It can result from damage or injury to the anal sphincter muscles or the nerves of these muscles. The number-one cause of bowel incontinence in otherwise healthy women is injury to the anal muscles or nerves during childbirth. Most of these women recover bowel control, but a small percentage will develop fecal incontinence. Certain medications, trauma, improper diet, diabetes, stroke, chronic constipation and other factors can contribute to loss of bowel control.