Urine loss that you are unable to control is called incontinence. There are three major types of incontinence:
* stress incontinence,
* irritable bladder, and
* chronic urethritis.

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. Usually this condition is caused by a bladder infection. Chronic urethritis is inflammation of the tube that delivers urine from your bladder to the outside. This tube may be irritated by chemicals such as bubble bath or spermicides. Bruising from intercourse may also cause it. More often, it is caused by an infection with Chlamydia. Determining the cause of your incontinence is important. Tests may include:
* a urine exam,
* an X-ray of your bladder,
* an examination of the inside of your bladder with a scope, and
* urodynamic testing where your bladder is filled and the pressure is measured.

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Taking drugs to treat infections results in a quick decrease in symptoms. Pelvic muscle exercises can result provide steady improvement in those with mild urine loss. Losing weight helps decrease pressure on he bladder. A combination of these treatments may be required. Sometimes drugs to relax, or reduce the nervous stimulation of the bladder are needed. Other times surgery may be required to lift the supporting structures of the bladder.

There are many ways to treat incontinence. Even if treatment is not helpful, there are ways to manage it, such as:
* always wear a pad in case of accidents,
* decrease the fluids you drink prior to bedtime,
* always empty your bladder as much as possible, and
* empty your bladder before events likely to result in leakage.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go