Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.
This commonly occurs after childbirth or due to obesity. At menopause the ovaries stop making estrogen resulting in weakened muscles which may cause drooping of the womb or vagina. Coughing, laughing, or sneezing may cause a sudden loss of urine. With irritable bladder you get sudden spasms that cause you to release urine unexpectedly. You may wake up several times in the night needing to go to the bathroom.