The inability to hold urine refers to involuntary urination. Around 15% of women experience this condition at least once in their lifetime. The most common type is stress incontinence, which occurs more frequently in women than in men. It is mainly observed during:
Coughing
Exercising
Laughing
Lifting heavy objects
Sneezing
Standing up
During these activities, urination occurs due to increased pelvic pressure (especially when the bladder is full).
Possible Causes:
Pregnancy and childbirth: During delivery, tissues, muscles, or nerves may be damaged, leading to postpartum incontinence (which can occur early or even years later). Natural childbirth, multiple pregnancies, large babies, or prolonged labor can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy may reduce this risk.
Age: With aging, the pelvic muscles and urethral sphincter weaken.
Pelvic surgery: Men who have undergone prostate cancer surgery may experience stress-related incontinence.
Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus may worsen or cause incontinence.
Additional risk factors:
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol or caffeine intake
Conditions causing chronic coughing
Use of diuretic medications
Obesity
Smoking
Urinary tract infections
Treatment:
The first step is identifying the underlying bladder problem, as treatment depends on this. Most treatments begin with pelvic floor muscle training. If this method is ineffective, medications, special medical devices, or surgical interventions may be used.