Urinary bladder control problems or urinary incontinence is a symptom of an underlying disease, physical problems or lifestyle factors. It refers to a loss of control of the bladder. As a result, urine leakage or accidental urination can occur.

Causes
Urinary incontinence can occur due to many reasons.

• Medical conditions:
  Diseases like diabetes, neurological problems such as spinal injuries, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, stroke or Parkinson’s disease, cancer of the prostate or bladder, infection in the urinary tract, bladder stones, are all health problems that can cause urinary bladder control issues.

Medicines for hypertension, stimulants, and constipation can also cause temporary urinary incontinence.

• Physical changes:
  Aging, estrogen loss after menopause, pregnancy, childbirth, enlarged prostate and hysterectomy are body changes that can cause urinary incontinence.

• Lifestyle factors
  Excessive consumption of foods rich in spices and sugar, acidic foods like citrus fruits, alcohol, caffeine, chocolates and artificial sweeteners can cause temporary urinary incontinence. Obesity and lack of physical activity can also contribute to poor urinary bladder control.

Treatment
Treatment options for urinary incontinence may depend on the type and severity of your problem.

• Medicines to heal an overactive bladder or to help the bladder muscles to relax are common to treat urinary incontinence. For women, the doctor may recommend estrogen creams or patches.
• Lifestyle modifications can help to treat urinary bladder control problems.
• As the last treatment option, the doctor may recommend surgery. Different types of surgeries can contribute to treating specific bladder problems. Sling procedure helps with stress incontinence, which occurs due to sudden pressure on the bladder. Prolapse surgery in women helps to reposition the bladder and the urethra.
• For women, insertion of medical devices like a pessary can help keep the bladder in place. Urethral inserts can prevent urine leakage due to stress incontinence. These are temporary devices that women can use to help with urinary continence problems.
• Kegel exercises (squeezing the pelvic muscles) can help both men and women to strengthen their pelvic muscles and improve their urinary bladder control.

Consult your doctor without delay for an effective treatment for your bladder control problems.