"Why am I leaking urine?"

This is one of the most common questions asked by women who experience urinary leakage. The answer to this question is not as simple or straightforward as it might seem, since there can be multiple causes for this condition. If you are leaking urine, then you may be looking for more than one culprit.

Risk Factors for Women's Urinary Incontinence
Unfortunately, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from urine leakage. Part of the reason for this statistic is that pregnancy and childbirth are major contributors to urinary incontinence. Childbirth, especially vaginal deliveries, can stretch and tear the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region, weakening the pelvic floor muscles and causing urine leakage.

Other risk factors that can contribute to urinary incontinence include:

Weight Gain and Obesity:Every pound puts downward pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles

Aging:Muscles in the pelvic floor tend to sag, just like muscles everywhere else in the body

Smoking and Chronic Cough:Nicotine can irritate the bladder in some women while chronic coughing puts stress on the bladder, causing involuntary leakage

Menopause:Decreased levels of estrogen linked to menopause can lead to thinning of the urethral and vaginal walls, which in turn offer less support for the bladder

Medication:Certain classes of medicine, such as broncho-dilators and diuretics, can cause urine leakage

Urinary Tract Infections:Chronic infections in the bladder or urinary tract can eventually lead to urinary incontinence

Other causes include pelvic organ prolapse, dietary issues, and bladder stones. The key is to realize that more than one factor may be contributing to your urine leakage issues.

That's why it is important to check with your healthcare provider as soon as you experience any symptoms of urinary incontinence. The earlier your doctor can diagnose your condition, the more easily your symptoms can be treated and cured. In addition, early detection means that conservative measures, such as physical therapy and lifestyle changes, are more effective.

Diseases That Contribute to Urinary Incontinence
In addition to the factors listed above, certain diseases can cause urinary incontinence. While this is more prevalent in the elderly or the ill, you are more likely to suffer urine leakage if you have or have had:

- Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease
- diabetes
- multiple sclerosis
- stroke
- pelvic floor or spinal cord injuries
- bladder cancer

As always, knowledge is power and the more knowledge you have about your condition the more you can contribute to your own health and well-being. To be your own best health advocate, especially when it comes to matters "down there," take two important steps:

1. Contact your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and explore your treatment options.

2. Learn are much as you can about your condition. You may wish to learn more about the different types of urinary incontinence or read our no-cost ebook.

Good luck and remember that urinary incontinence is neither inevitable nor untreatable!

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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsholly/3509910595/