Causes of Incontinence

Incontinence can be caused by any one of several physical factors: lacking the strength or ability to control the emptying of one’s bladder through illness; being unable to understand the urge to urinate; and even being physically incapable of getting to a toilet through illness or infirmity.

Therefore, incontinence can be caused by a number of different illnesses or infirmities, affecting both our physical ability to control the bladder and our mental faculties, such as the ability to understand the urge to urinate. Amongst these causes are: Alzheimer’s disease; strokes; spinal cord injuries; paralysis; and the after-effects of surgery.

The correct operation of the bladder is dependent upon many different muscles and nerves are playing their part: sending signals to the brain, and expanding or contracting as necessary. However, if any of these muscles or nerves are damaged or fails to play their part, this can cause incontinence. Illnesses which affect the central nervous system can result in incontinence, as the bladder and the brain will be unable to communicate. Amongst these illnesses are multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and strokes. Many people who suffer from mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease may also suffer from incontinence, as they may lack the mental faculties to control their bladder. In addition to this, people who are diabetic or overweight are also more likely to suffer from incontinence.

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