Involuntary leakage of urine

Aetiology

Risk factors

• Higher incidence in females
• Caucasian > Afro-Carribbean
• Genetic predisposition
• Neurological disorders - spinal cord injury, stroke, MS, Parkinson's
• Anatomical disorders - vesicovaginal fistula, ectopic ureter in girls, urethral diverticulum, urethral fistula, bladder extrophy, epispadias
• Childbirth - vaginal delivery, increasing parity, pregnancy
• Pelvic, perineal and prostate surgery
• Radical pelvic radiotherapy
• Diabetes

Promoting factors

• Smoking - causing cough
• Obesity
• Infection - UTI
• Increased fluid intake
• Poor nutrition
• Ageing
• Cognitive deficit