A leaky bladder, otherwise known as a bladder control problem, can occur in either gender; however, it is more prevalent in women than in men, according to MayoClinic.com. There are a number of treatments for this condition, as well as a variety of causes and risk factors.
Being a Woman
Women are more likely to suffer from a leaky bladder than men for several reasons. These include pregnancy, childbirth and the female anatomy, all of which increase the risk for stress incontinence. As the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains, the "stress" in stress incontinence refers to pressure on the bladder. When the pelvic and sphincter muscles are weakened, sudden pressure from laughing, coughing, sneezing or exercising can push urine out of the bladder, causing the leakage. Women'shealth.gov adds that pregnancy, labor and delivery all weaken the pelvic floor muscles and damage the nerves controlling the bladder.
Obesity
Both MayoClinic.com and Women'shealth.gov agree that being obese weakens the bladder and its surrounding muscles by placing unnecessary pressure on the bladder, making stress incontinence worse.
Smoking
MayoClinic.com lists smoking as a possible cause of urinary leakage due to the cough that smoking can cause. Constant coughing places much pressure on the urinary sphincter. This not only results in episodes of incontinence, it may also lead to an overactive bladder.
Taking Certain Medications
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that medications doctors prescribe to help a person sleep and relax, or muscle relaxants themselves, can relax the nerves of the bladder, preventing them from telling the brain when the bladder is full. This results in bladder overflow when the urge finally arrives, thus resulting in bladder leakage.
Bladder Infection
A urinary tract infection can mean trouble for both genders, as it irritates the bladder, causing a strong urge to urinate. MayoClinic.com explains that this can result in incontinence, which is sometimes the only indication a person has of a bladder infection.
