It generally results from pelvic-floor muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy and vaginal delivery. Diabetes, frequent urinary-tract infections, changes in hormone production, and excess body fat may also contribute to stress incontinence. Urge incontinence occurs when the urge to urinate is so strong and comes on so suddenly that there's often no time to make it to the toilet. It often results from an underlying health problem, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or an undiagnosed tumor. Medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, or antidepressants can also play a role.
Overflow incontinence is most common in older men.
Bladder stones can cause it, but it usually results from an enlargement of your prostate gland, which lies at the base of your bladder. When the prostate gets bigger, it can squeeze your urethra and make urination more difficult. The bladder may then get overfilled, a condition that leads to near-constant dribbling. You can also have more than one type of urinary incontinence at a time. Your medical history serves as a guide.