Risk factors

While different types of bladder weakness can occur for various reasons, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of a person developing symptoms. These include:

• Pregnancy and vaginal birth
• Menopause
• Obesity
• Family history
• Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting
• Age – it is more common over the age of 50
• Certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, stroke, dementia, frequent urinary tract infections, constipation)
• An enlarged prostate gland – known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Neurological damage (e.g. because of Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, brain injury)
• Certain medications (e.g. diuretics, ACE inhibitors, some antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), sedatives).