Incontinence FAQs

1. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures
2. Urinary Incontinence in Men Slideshow Pictures
3. Food & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Sandip P. Vasavada, MD

Coauthor:

Raymond Rackley, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• What is incontinence?
• Who is affected by incontinence?
• Are there different kinds of incontinence?
• What causes incontinence?
• What lifestyle and health factors reduce the likelihood of incontinence?
• What are the symptoms of incontinence?
• When should I seek medical attention?
• What will my doctor do?
• What tests are used to diagnose incontinence?
• What is the treatment for incontinence?
• What is a urination diary?
• What are Kegel exercises?
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Incontinence is a common condition that means the involuntary loss of urine. This condition can occur for a number of reasons but is most commonly associated with the loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising or by the inability to hold urine when the urge to urinate occurs. Both men and women are affected by incontinence, most typically as they get older. Several types and causes of incontinence exist, and many can be treated to either eliminate or significantly reduce the problem.

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