Did you know that urinary incontinence affects a big part of the European population?

Around 10% to 20% of people across Europe deal with it, and women are about twice as likely as men to experience it [1].

Incontinence can have a small impact on your day or feel like a bigger disruption, depending on what’s causing it and how it’s treated.

While everyone’s experience is different, understanding the causes and figuring out how to manage them can really make day-to-day life a lot easier.

Typical signs of incontinence

Some signs of urinary or bowel incontinence are pretty easy to spot, like:

• A sudden, uncontrollable urge to pee
• Leaking urine when you exercise, sneeze, or cough
• Needing to go to the bathroom more often
• Dribbling between trips to the toilet
• Not being able to urinate at all
• Bedwetting

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to chat with your doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing it by looking at your health and lifestyle.

But did you know there are also some lesser-known causes of incontinence? Let’s dive into those next!

Other lesser-known causes of incontinence

Here are seven causes of incontinence you may not have heard of…

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS isn’t just a digestive issue—it can also lead to urinary incontinence. Constipation caused by IBS puts pressure on the bladder, which can cause leaks. IBS is also linked to overactive bladder syndrome, where the bladder muscles contract too often, leading to frequent urges to go. If constipation from IBS is causing bladder issues, it can lead to either temporary or long-term incontinence.

2. Certain Medications

Ever noticed you need to pee more after starting a new medication? Some prescriptions can increase how much urine your body makes or affect how it’s stored and passed. Medications for high blood pressure, diuretics, hormone replacement therapy, and certain sedatives have all been linked to incontinence. If you think a new medication might be contributing to your symptoms, talk to your doctor—they can help you figure out what’s going on and how to manage it.

3. Fungal Infections

Thrush, a common yeast infection, can sometimes lead to urinary incontinence. Symptoms like discharge, irritation, and stinging during urination may spread into the bladder and urinary tract, causing frequent and urgent trips to the toilet. The good news? Thrush is usually easy to treat. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment depending on how severe the infection is.

4. Nerve Damage

Bladder function relies on healthy nerves, so any damage to those nerves can weaken bladder control and lead to incontinence. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes are common causes of nerve-related incontinence. Managing the underlying condition is key to preventing further nerve damage or bladder issues. While nerve damage can be hard to reverse, there are treatments available to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

5. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Since women are twice as likely as men to experience incontinence, it’s no surprise that PMS can play a role. Hormonal changes throughout the month can affect how bladder muscles work, sometimes leading to leaks or urgency.

6. Surgery

Certain surgeries can lead to urinary incontinence, especially those involving the pelvis or bladder. Bladder prolapse (where the bladder shifts and pushes into the vagina) or nerve damage around the pelvis are common culprits. If you experience incontinence after surgery, it’s important to see your doctor for proper treatment and healing.

7. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD can sometimes go hand-in-hand with urinary incontinence. Delayed central nervous system development can affect bladder control and the sense of urgency to use the toilet. Children with ADHD may also struggle with bedwetting—research shows it happens in about 40% of kids with ADHD and 28–32% of adults [2]. Kids might also get so distracted they ignore the need to go. If you or your child is dealing with ADHD-related incontinence or bedwetting, talk to your doctor for tailored support.

The different types of urinary incontinence

There are a few common types of urinary incontinence that are also good to know about:

Stress Incontinence

This is the most common type and happens when pressure on your bladder—like from coughing, sneezing, exercising, or even laughing—causes leaks. Being overweight or having weak pelvic floor muscles can also make it more likely, especially for women.

Overflow Incontinence

This happens when your bladder gets too full or can’t empty properly, causing leaks. It’s often linked to prostate issues or surgery.

Overactive Bladder (Urge Incontinence)

With this one, your bladder muscles contract even when it’s not full, making you feel like you have to go urgently. It’s often connected to nerve, brain, or spine problems.

Functional Incontinence

This type isn’t about the bladder itself—it’s when a condition or disability makes it hard to get to the bathroom in time.

Not sure what’s causing your incontinence? Try keeping track of your symptoms to share with your doctor. It’ll help them figure out what’s going on and come up with a treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle.