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There are several reasons why you may develop urinary incontinence. For women, pregnancy and childbirth are the most common reasons. Urinary incontinence can occur during pregnancy, but vaginal delivery is one of the leading causes of incontinence in women. As the baby grows in the mother’s womb, the pressure on the pelvic floor increases. It can also mean that there is increased pressure on the bladder, giving the sensation of constantly needing to urinate. Trauma and nerve damage to the pelvic floor are common during vaginal delivery, as the tissues become stretched and even torn. This leads to weakening of the pelvic floor, connective tissue and muscles, and can lead to incontinence. Neurologic conditions can also cause urinary incontinence. Conditions that can affect the nerves and ultimately the communication between the brain and the bladder can result in urinary incontinence. Conditions such as stroke, spinal cord disease or injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other neurologic conditions can all cause urinary incontinence. Pelvic surgery can also cause urinary incontinence. Surgery including the pelvic organs, such as the bladder and the colon, can result in nerve and muscle damage. Hysterectomy and other surgery of the pelvis can also result in urinary incontinence.
