This happens when bladder weakness or a blocked urethra prevents normal emptying. An enlarged prostate can result in such blockage. For this reason, overflow incontinence is more common in men that in women. Bladder weakness can develop in both men and women, but it happens most often in people with diabetes, heavy alcohol users, and others with decreased nerve function. The urinary system may work well, but physical or mental disabilities or other circumstances prevent normal toilet usage.
Nocturnal enuresis is incontinence that occurs during sleep.
When individuals have two or more types of incontinence, the causes of each must be found and considered in planning appropriate treatment.