Learn about bladder problems and solutions

Leaking urine, also called poor bladder control or urinary incontinence, is not a normal part of aging.

Incontinence is more common in older adults, but can happen at any age. It can be caused by or get worse because of:

• Weak or overactive bladder muscles

• Blood pressure medications, diuretics or "water pills," and other medicines

• Urinary tract infections

• An enlarged prostate or prostate surgery in men

There are different types of incontinence:

• Stress incontinence, the most common type, is brought on by lifting, sneezing, coughing or other sudden stresses

• Urge incontinence is when someone has a very strong, sudden need to urinate and can't reach a toilet in time

• Overflow incontinence is when someone has trouble emptying their bladder and urine leaks out of the full bladder

• Functional incontinence is when someone with limited mobility can't reach a toilet in time

Health professionals can help older adults with incontinence.

Incontinence can often be helped by:

• Doing "pelvic floor" exercises to strengthen the muscles around the bladder

• Making regular trips to the toilet (for example, every two hours), rather than waiting for the need to go

• Switching medications or changing when they're taken

• Making lifestyle changes like losing weight, quitting smoking or avoiding caffeine

• Preventing constipation, which can make incontinence worse