Urinary incontinence also can be caused by a urethral diverticulum -a small pocket that bulges out of the wall of the urethra. Urine can collect in this pocket and then spill out later. Abnormal growths in the urinary tract also can cause incontinence. Sometimes, a small bladder size may cause problems as well.

Neuromuscular Disorders
Neuromuscular disorders are problems with the nerves that control the function of the bladder and urethra. Bladder spasms-uncontrolled con-tractions-may occur. If the nerves do not control the contractions of the bladder muscle, the bladder may expel urine.

The bladder also may become too full, and urine may leak. Most of the time it is not known why the nerves lose control of the bladder muscle. It could be linked to other conditions, such as diabetes.

Drug Therapy
Urinary incontinence may be a side effect of med-ications taken for some other condition. For instance, diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, or anti-histamines may cause some women to leak urine.

To ease your symptoms, your doctor may only need to change the dosage or type of medication.

Physical Limitations
Some women have nothing wrong with their bladder or urethra. They have conditions, such as arthritis, that prevent them from moving quickly. They may lose urine before they can get to the bathroom. Such limits are a real problem for many older women.

	About Urinary Incontinence
	Types of Incontinence
	Symptoms
	Diagnosis
	Treatment
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Urinary incontinence may be caused by pelvic support problems (cystourethrocele) or urinary tract abnormalities (fistula and diverticulum).