Why Is My Bladder Leaking?

According to the American Urological Association Foundation, bladder control problems (BCP) are experienced by millions of people. Many causes may be temporary, but a leaking bladder can also be caused by underlying health problems.

Medications

• Certain medications are known to cause a leaking bladder. These medications include muscle relaxants, heart medications, blood pressure drugs and sedatives.

Diet

• Beverages can cause incontinence by acting as a bladder stimulant and diuretic; these beverages are carbonated drinks, alcohol, tea and coffee. Certain foods can aggravate the bladder; these include tomato, citrus and foods containing artificial sweeteners and corn syrup.

Infections

• Urinary tract Infections (UTIs) are known causes of bladder irritation. UTIs cause strong urges to urinate and incontinence.

Constipation

• The bladder and the rectum share the same nerves. As a result, constipation causes the nerves to be overactive, causing urinary frequency and incontinence.

Persistent

• While causes of a leaking bladder may be temporary, some may be the result of persistent underlying physical problems. These include neurological disorders, prostate cancer or enlarged prostate, bladder cancer or stones, interstitial cystitis, a hysterectomy, pregnancy and childbirth, and changes that come with aging.