Urge incontinence is the abrupt and unstoppable desire to urinate. This is more common in people over the age of 60, and affects both sexes. This condition can be caused by an overactive bladder, or a bladder tumor, which would cause the bladder to contract involuntarily. In some cases, stress and urge incontinence combine. This is called mixed incontinence.
Overflow incontinence is a physical obstruction that prevents the bladder from emptying completely.
The result of a previous operation for incontinence or a bladder that doesn't squeeze well enough to empty is what causes this condition in women. In men, it is caused by a benign enlargement of the prostate. Many factors, physical or pharmaceutical, can contribute to incontinence. Any neurological or spinal trauma can cause incontinence. Also, various medications, such as some sedatives, alpha blockers, sleeping pills, tricyclic antidepressants, diuretics and cold tablets can cause incontinence.