urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the excretion of urine. This condition arises when the muscles and nerves that control urination, including those in the abdomen, diaphragm, and pelvic floor, do not function properly.1

Incontinence can stem from various causes:
* Nervous System Issues: Conditions like neural tube defects, paralysis, or damage to the spinal cord can impair nerve signals to the bladder and urinary system.12
* Muscle Weakness: Weakened pelvic muscles can lead to urine leakage, particularly during activities like coughing or sneezing, a condition known as stress incontinence.1
* Other Factors: Incontinence can also result from long-term bladder distension, urogenital malformations, or injuries.1

In some cases, damage to the nervous system can lead to an "automatic bladder" where urine is voided involuntarily, or an "autonomous bladder" which contracts weakly, resulting in residual urine and leakage.2