Urology
Urological Conditions
Incontinence
The bladder, located in the pelvis, is a hollow, muscular, balloon-shaped organ that stores urine (liquid waste) made by the kidneys. Normally, people can hold urine in their bladders until they are able to urinate.
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During urination, muscles in the wall of the bladder contract, forcing urine out of the bladder and into a tube called the urethra. At the same time, sphincter muscles that surround the urethra relax. The pelvic floor muscles, located below the bladder, assist the sphincter muscles by supporting the bladder and helping it hold or release urine.
One end of the urethra is connected to the bladder; the other end is open. In women, the opening is located just above the vagina. In men, it is at the tip of the penis. When the bladder muscles tighten and the sphincter muscles relax, urine leaves the body by passing through the opening of the urethra.
Communication between the urinary tract and the brain controls the storage and release of urine. Nerves, running from the bladder and surrounding muscles through the spinal cord to the brain, carry messages between them, telling the brain that the bladder is full. The brain sends messages back to the muscles, telling them either to tighten or release. For the urinary system to work right, these muscles and nerves must work together to hold urine in the bladder and then release it at the right time.
Normally, people can hold urine in their bladders until they urinate. Incontinence (sometimes called "urinary incontinence") is the involuntary loss of urine, that is, the inability to hold urine in the bladder. This can happen when the bladder muscles contract or the sphincter muscles relax suddenly and uncontrollably.
Incontinence (sometimes called urinary incontinence) is the involuntary loss of urine, that is, the inability to hold urine in the bladder for as long as necessary. It happens when the bladder muscles contract or the spincter muscles relax suddenly and uncontrollably.
There are several types of incontinence, and it has a variety of causes. Men and women of all ages may experience incontinence; it is not a definite part of aging.