Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence
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A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop chronic urinary incontinence with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing urinary incontinence. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
Although there are many different causes of incontinence, the risk factors listed here pertain to the most common types of incontinence.
Medical Conditions
The following conditions increase your risk of developing incontinence:
- Childbirth (women)
- Prostate enlargement or prostate surgery (men)
- Dementia
Age
The risk of incontinence generally increases with age.
Gender
Women are more likely to develop stress incontinence. Men are more likely to develop incontinence related to obstruction and over-filling.
References:
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th ed. Merck & Co; 1999.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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