What you can do next
Incontinence can affect anyone of any age, gender, physical ability or cultural background. It can be a symptom of another health problem, a side effect of medical treatment, or may be caused by life events such as pregnancy and childbirth.
The most common causes of urinary incontinence (leaking wee) include:
- pregnancy and childbirth (women*)
- menopause (women*)
- prostate problems (men*)
- severe constipation
- reduced mobility, making it hard to get to the toilet
- brain and spinal injuries
- health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart conditions or respiratory conditions
- health conditions that affect the nervous system (eg multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease) or bones and joints (eg arthritis)
- cognitive (thinking) problems eg dementia
- urinary tract infections
- obesity
- some medicines.
Causes of bowel (poo) incontinence include:
- long-term diarrhoea
- pregnancy and childbirth (women*)
- menopause (women*)
- prostate problems (men*)
- severe constipation
- reduced mobility, making it hard to get to the toilet
- brain and spinal injuries
- health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart conditions or respiratory conditions
- health conditions that affect the nervous system (eg multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease) or bones and joints (eg arthritis)
- cognitive (thinking) problems eg dementia
- obesity
- some medicines.
Incontinence is common and treatable, and with the right support, people can live well.
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