Weakness of the urinary sphincter or pelvic muscles (bladder outlet incompetence) | Pelvic muscle weakness (for example, caused by having had several vaginal deliveries or pelvic surgery) Prostate surgery (most often complete removal of the prostate) |
Blockage (bladder outlet obstruction) | |
Overactivity of bladder wall muscles (overactive bladder) | Disorders that can affect brain centers that control urination (such as stroke Other symptoms A stroke occurs when an artery to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, resulting in death of an area of brain tissue due to loss of its blood supply (cerebral infarction). Symptoms occur suddenly... read more , dementia Dementia Dementia is a slow, progressive decline in mental function including memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to learn. Typically, symptoms include memory loss, problems using language and... read more , or multiple sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) In multiple sclerosis, patches of myelin (the substance that covers most nerve fibers) and underlying nerve fibers in the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord are damaged or destroyed. The cause... read more ) Bladder outlet obstruction |
Underactivity of bladder wall muscles | Nerve damage (for example, by herniated disks Common causes Low back pain and neck pain are among the most common reasons for health care visits. The pain usually results from problems with the musculoskeletal system—most notably the spine, including... read more , other spinal cord disorders, surgery, tumors, injury, diabetes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. Symptoms of diabetes may... read more , or alcohol use disorder Alcohol Use Alcohol (ethanol) is a depressant (it slows down brain and nervous system functioning). Consuming large amounts rapidly or regularly can cause health problems, including organ damage, coma,... read more ) Longstanding bladder outlet obstruction In women, often no identifiable cause |
Poor coordination of the bladder wall with the sphincter muscles | Damage to spinal cord or brain nerve pathways to the bladder |
| Psychoactive medications that can decrease awareness of the need to urinate (for example, antipsychotic medications, benzodiazepines, medications that cause drowsiness such as sedatives and sleep aids, or tricyclic antidepressants) Restricted mobility (for example, caused by injury, weakness, restraints, stroke, other neurologic disorders, or musculoskeletal disorders) Situational limitations (such as not having a toilet nearby or traveling) |
Increase in the volume of urine | Use of diuretics (usually furosemide, bumetanide, or theophylline) Excessive intake of caffeinated beverages (such as coffee, tea, cola, or some other soft drinks) or alcohol |