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Side Effects of Incontinence

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine in men and women. Urinary incontinence can range from a minor leakage during exercise to a complete loss of bladder control. Depending on how severe your incontinence is, you may experience side effects.

  1. Loss of Bladder Control

    • According to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Clearing House, some people "may lose a few drops of urine while running or coughing. Others may feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate just before losing a large amount of urine."

    Sneezing or Laughing

    • A side effect many people notice first with incontinence is loss of urine while coughing, sneezing or even laughing.

    Exercise Incontinence

    • Loss of urine while exercising is called stress incontinence. When you jump up and down, run, or do any type of impact exercise, your bladder comes under pressure and might leak urine. You may have to wear a sanitary pad while exercising.

    Bed Wetting

    • Incontinence can lead to bed wetting. According to the National Association for Continence, "Studies show that at least 2 percent of adults have a lack of control of urination during the night."

    Rashes and Bad Odor

    • When incontinence is severe, it can cause skin rashes from the urine constantly touching your skin. You may need to wear large adult absorbent pads. Incontinence can cause an unpleasant odor of urine on your skin and clothing. It's important to change your pad and clothing often if you have a leak.

    Urinary Tract Infection

    • Urinary tract infections are more common in people with incontinence. This problem is exacerbated when you stop drinking liquid to reduce the incidence of loss of bladder control.

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