An overview of the many types and causes of urinary incontinence. A variety of disease and medical problems may contribute to each of the four major types of incontinence. Because incontinence is a symptom rather than a distinct disease, it is often difficult to determine a definite cause. Stress Incontinence and Its Causes Stress incontinence occurs when the internal sphincter does not close completely. The primary symptom is minor leakage from activities, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, lifting, or even standing, that apply pressure to a full bladder.
Leakage stops when the activity stops.
Urethral hypermobility is often the end result of damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor. The weakening and stretching of the pelvic floor muscles allows the bladder to sag downward within the abdomen. Women who have had several children through vaginal deliveries are particularly at risk for stress incontinence because pregnancy and childbirth strain the muscles of the pelvic floor. Hysterectomy, which may damage the pelvic floor muscles, the sphincter itself, or the nerves that enable the sphincter muscles to contract, is a common cause of stress incontinence in women. After menopause, the loss of estrogen causes the urethra to thin out so that it may not close properly.