Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the release of
urine. It may be related to infection, problems with the nerves and muscles of
the bladder, physical or mental disabilities, or problems with the structure of
the urinary tract.
Urinary incontinence is not a disease. But it may point to a
problem with the urinary tract, such as a urinary tract infection.
Incontinence may occur for only a short time (acute) or it may be
an ongoing (chronic) problem. Typically, incontinence clears up when
the cause, such as a urinary tract infection, is treated
successfully. Depending on the cause, treatment may cure chronic incontinence.
If the condition cannot be completely cured, it usually can be managed to limit
its effect on a person's daily life.