Urge incontinence

This is where there is an urge to pass urine and you are unable to reach the toilet in time. It is due to the bladder and its nerve control malfunctioning, leading you to believe there is an urgent need to pass urine when there is not. It means you end up going to the toilet quite a lot, often to pass only small amounts of urine.

How does it happen?

A lack of estrogen after the menopause, infection, drugs can all lead to the problem. Sometimes it is unclear what the underlying problem is. Drinks containing caffeine, such as tea and coffee, make the kidneys produce more urine, which means you need to pass water more often. Alcohol has a similar effect. Injury to the brain, or diseases of the blood vessels of the brain, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis or diabetes can also lead to incontinence.