Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a symptom of other conditions. Any loss of voluntary bladder control can be considered incontinence.

Symptoms include:

• Leaking triggered by laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or exercise
• A strong urge to urinate followed by loss of urine
• Inability to hold urine long enough to make it to a restroom
• Difficulty initiating urination
• Straining to empty the bladder
• Decreased urinary stream or dribbling

References:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.

The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th ed. Merck & Co; 1999.

Last reviewed June 2007 by Miguel Antelo, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.