Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Urinary Incontinence
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Urinary incontinence is the uncontrollable loss of urine. The six main types of urinary incontinence are:
What is going on in the body?
Urinary incontinence can occur at any age. The kidneys constantly produce urine. Urine flows through two long tubes, or ureters, to the bladder, where urine is stored. A muscle at the bottom of the bladder stays contracted, or tightened, so urine remains in the bladder until it is full. When the decision is made to urinate, the muscle relaxes and urine flows out. The entire process is complex. The ability to control urination can be disrupted in different ways, resulting in urinary incontinence.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Urinary incontinence can occur at any age. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected. The cause of this condition is different among different age groups. There are many possible causes of urinary incontinence. These include: