What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is caused by a loss of bladder control, which results in the involuntary loss of urine. What many men don’t realize is that urinary incontinence is a symptom, not a disease – there are a variety of factors that can lead to urinary incontinence, including1:

  • Prostate surgery (urinary incontinence is one of the most common side effects)
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Excess weight
  • Illness
  • Pelvic surgery
  • Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles
  • Degenerative changes associated with aging
  • Certain medications*

*Medications that Can Contribute to Urinary Incontinence:2

  • ACE Inhibitors (Captopril, Lisinopril, enalapril)
  • Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine (present in many cold and OTC preparations)
  • Anticholinergics
  • Antidepressents
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors
  • Narcotic analgesics, opioids
  • Calcium Channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine)
  • Diuretics (furosemide)
  • Neuroleptics (thioridazine, chlorpromazine)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (gabapentin)

Footnotes:

  1. Mosby. (2005)  Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professionals, Seventh Edition.
  2. Newman, D.K. (2002). Managing and treating urinary incontinence (pp. 111-123). Baltimore: Health Professions Press

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