Urinary incontinence: General ideas

Last updated: May 18, 2026

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Urinary incontinence or involuntary urine leaking is our topic, and we are going to discuss about it today. I need to tell you that, this issue is not a life-threatening problem, but it was severity affect the quality of life if someone who experienced. This embarrassing symptom occurs more often as people get older. The prevalence of this disease is unlikely to be reported but it’s been estimated around more than 400 million people who had been suffering urinary incontinence worldwide. 2 times suffering will more often in female if compare to the male patients in this condition.

The etiology of Urinary incontinence can be varied among gender

• Risk factors in female
  1. History of pregnancy
  2. Number of childbirths
  3. Diabetes Mellitus
  4. Morbid obesity

• Risk factor in male
  1. History of prostate surgery

There are 4 major types of urinary incontinence

1. Stress incontinence
   • Urine leaking aggravated by an increasing intra-abdominal pressure for example, coughing, sneezing or exertion.
   • More common in female
   • Up to 45% in women with 30 years old up
2. Urge incontinence
   • Urine leaking accompanied with an urging urination; for example, you have a sudden, intense urge to urinate, but you cannot hold it between trips to toilet and all sudden leaking.
   • More common in elderly male
   • Up to 42% in men with 75 years old up

3. Mixed incontinence
   • Urine leaking in the combination between Stress and Urge incontinence
4. Overflow incontinence
   • Urine leaking which causes from distended bladder
   • Neurogenic-related disease for example, spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus
   • Obstruction-related disease for example, enlarged prostate disease, pelvic mass

When patient come to see me with a urinary incontinence problem, I will start very carefully with a thorough history and physical exam. While each type of urinary incontinence is different in management, so the tailored-made treatment will be designed individually. As I mentioned earlier that this problem is affecting your quality of life, it’s importing to seek medical advice. Do you like to live your life happier without urinary incontinence?

Any questions, you can feel free to discuss with me.

If you are experiencing urinary incontinence and would like a tailored evaluation, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Urinary Incontinence

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is not a life-threatening condition, but it significantly impacts quality of life. It is estimated to affect over 400 million people worldwide, and is twice as common in women compared to men.

What are the main types of urinary incontinence?

There are four main types: stress incontinence (leakage triggered by coughing, sneezing, or exertion), urge incontinence (sudden overwhelming urge with involuntary leakage), mixed incontinence (a combination of stress and urge types), and overflow incontinence (leakage from an overfull bladder, often due to obstruction or nerve problems).

What causes urinary incontinence in women?

In women, the main risk factors include history of pregnancy, number of childbirths, diabetes mellitus, and morbid obesity. Obesity in particular increases intra-abdominal pressure, which worsens stress-type leakage, and weight loss can significantly improve symptoms.

What causes urinary incontinence in men?

In men, the most common cause is a history of prostate surgery, particularly radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The surgical procedure can weaken the urinary sphincter, leading to stress or mixed incontinence afterward.

Can urinary incontinence be treated?

Yes. Treatment is tailored to the specific type of incontinence. Options include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical procedures. Early consultation with a urologist is important to identify the correct type and design the most effective individualized treatment plan.

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.