The unintentional and frequent passage of urine is called urinary leak or more technically urinary incontinence. The existence of urinary incontinence is found more in women than men. According to an estimate about twice as many women as men are afflicted with urinary leak.

The type of urinary leaks

Stress leaks:

Urine leaks out while coughing, laughing, or doing some activity, such as running or jumping.

Urge incontinence

There is a sudden and intense urge to urinate, and urine leaks at the same time or just after.

Overflow incontinence

The inability to empty the bladder completely can result in leaking

Symptoms

Quite a few women do not experience any symptoms and are completely unaware of the condition therefore. Women who do experience symptoms may get -

• Coughing, sneezing, or laughing
• Heavy lifting
• Exercise

The urge to urinate may be caused by:

• A sudden change in position
• the sound of running water
• sex, especially during orgasm

This is more common in men with prostate gland problems, a damaged bladder, or a blocked urethra. An enlarged prostate gland can obstruct the bladder. The bladder cannot hold as much urine as the body is making, or the bladder cannot empty completely, causing small amounts of urinary leakage.