Postpartum incontinence risk increases due to vaginal delivery, length of the second stage of delivery, episiotomy, and exposure to oxytocin, a hormone that helps induce labor and also starts breast milk flowing. Studies have not demonstrated a consistent increase in risk of incontinence following menopause. The relationship between postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and incontinence is unclear. Women who have had a hysterectomy may have incontinence later in life. It occurs while coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion.
Urge incontinence is a sudden uncontrollable desire to urinate.
The detrusor muscle contracts spontaneously or the interior sphincter relaxes prematurely.