Incontinence is the inability to control the release of urine. It is an ever increasing problem in North America. It may be caused while sneezing, laughing, crying, yelling or coughing. It can also occur while lifting heavy objects. There are three basic types of incontinence:
1. URGE: An inability to control the bladder when the urge to urinate is present.
2. FUNCTIONAL: A failure to comprehend the need to urinate.
3. STRESS: An involuntary loss of control brought about by increased pressure to the abdomen.

Even the causes may be different for Incontinence: In children under the age of 2, it is due to immaturity of the neural pathway to the external sphincter. In adults it may be due to nerve damage, or bladder injury. Sometimes, pregnancy or repeated child-birth, can cause some women to lose muscle support for the bladder. Damage or injury to the sphincter in men may be one of the reasons. Kidney stones, cancer, or obstruction in the urinary tract can also cause the problem. Some medications, particularly muscles relaxants and those which affect the central nervous system cause incontinence in some cases. Emotional stresses or irritating substances in urine or Dementia, depression and paralysis can also cause the condition. Repeated urinary tract infections can also cause the problem.
Treatment: There are various treatments currently available to help curb incontinence. Today, even the most chronic cases can be cured. Some of the more effective treatment options include:
ELECTRICAL stimulation or biofeedback, which helps to strengthen pelvic muscles. This treatment is especially helpful in women who have had multiple births, cancer, or have suffered injury to the bladder or pelvic muscles.
SURGERY can tighten damaged or overly relaxed muscles that have stopped contracting around the bladder.
DAILY exercise, including thigh, stomach and pelvic movement, is sometimes enough to stimulate muscles in the pelvic and bladder regions. Exercises to strengthen the sphincter or gradual reestablishment of neural pathways may correct the condition
ESTROGEN therapy has helped many women control their post-menopause bladder problems.
PRESCRIPTION drugs can help to strengthen urethral muscles.
DECREASE your daily intake of caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants, which may stimulate the bladder.