Urinary incontinence, or UI, can be an inconvenient and embarrassing condition for women. The different types of UI can be the result of a number of factors ranging from childbirth and menopause to nerve signal issues.
Stress incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence and is characterized by an involuntary urine flow caused by movements, such as sneezing, laughing and coughing that put pressure on the bladder. Stress incontinence can occur when the muscles that support the bladder weaken as a result of pregnancy, childbirth and menopause, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney 
Inappropriate bladder contractions, usually the result of abnormal nerve signals, can lead to urge incontinence. This type of UI usually causes leakage and involuntary flow after feeling the need to urinate. Urge incontinence most often occurs during sleep or after hearing the sound of running water, according to NIDDK. Diseases that cause injury to bladder-supporting muscles or their nerves can also lead to urge incontinence. Stroke, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and multiple
Abnormal nerves may also send signals to the bladder at the wrong time, leading to an overactive bladder and frequent urination. The symptoms that accompany an overactive bladder include frequent urination of up to eight times per day, sudden urges to urinate, urge incontinence, and waking up at night to urinate, according to NIDDK.
