Urinary incontinence is any leaking from the bladder that can't be controlled. The amount that is leaked differs between people. It can range from dribbling to a full clearing of the bladder.
Other symptoms differ based on the type of incontinence. They may be one or more of following:
- Leaking caused by laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or exercise
- A strong urge pass urine followed by loss of urine
- Can't hold urine long enough to make it to a bathroom
- A hard time starting to pass urine
- Straining to empty the bladder
- Reduced stream or dribbling
- Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully emptied out
- Pain when passing urine
If you have any of these, call your doctor. These are often a symptom of other health problems.
Last reviewed December 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated: 1/17/2019
