Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence

Gender: more common in women—but also affects men

Women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence, especially stress incontinence, due to hormonal and anatomical differences.

Key female risk factors:

• Pregnancy – Hormonal changes and foetal weight affect bladder control

• Vaginal birth – Can weaken the pelvic floor and damage nerves linked to urination

• Menopause – Lower oestrogen levels reduce bladder and urethra elasticity, increasing incontinence risk

In men, urinary incontinence can occur due to prostate issues, particularly:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – An enlarged prostate can block the urethra, causing overflow incontinence

• Prostate cancer treatment – Surgery or radiotherapy may weaken urinary sphincters, leading to stress or urge incontinence

In both cases, pelvic floor strengthening and the use of absorbent underwear with XIBPro technology can help manage leaks discreetly and effectively.

Age: natural ageing as a risk factor

As we age, the body undergoes changes that affect bladder control:

• Loss of muscle tone – Bladder and urethral muscles weaken, reducing urine retention

• Bladder elasticity declines – Leading to urge incontinence from involuntary contractions

• Nerve signal disruption – Less efficient communication between bladder and brain

Though ageing is a natural risk, regular pelvic exercises and specially designed absorbent products can reduce its impact while preserving comfort and dignity.

Excess Weight: added pressure on the bladder

Being overweight increases the risk of incontinence due to greater pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles.

Consequences of excess weight:

• Abdominal pressure – Can weaken pelvic floor muscles, causing leaks when laughing, coughing or sneezing

• Inflammation and insulin resistance – Common in obesity and can impair bladder function

Weight loss, healthy eating and pelvic floor training are key strategies to reduce the impact of excess weight on bladder control.

Smoking: a silent risk factor

Tobacco use affects more than just the lungs and heart—it also increases incontinence risk.

How smoking contributes:

• Chronic cough – Repeated pressure on the bladder can cause stress incontinence

• Tissue damage – Poor blood circulation weakens urinary control muscles

• Higher risk of UTIs – Tobacco irritates the bladder, increasing urgency and frequency

Quitting smoking is crucial for reducing risk and improving overall health.

Family History: genetic predisposition

If a close relative has had incontinence—especially urge incontinence—your own risk may be higher.

Genetic factors may include:

• Congenital weakness in connective tissue affecting bladder and urethral support

• Inherited nerve control traits impacting bladder function

While you can't change your genes, healthy habits and the use of high-quality absorbent products can help you manage symptoms effectively.

Chronic Illness: medical conditions and bladder control

Certain chronic illnesses increase the likelihood of urinary incontinence due to nervous system disruption, mobility issues, or metabolic changes.

Medical conditions linked to incontinence:

• Diabetes – Can damage nerves controlling the bladder, leading to urge or overflow incontinence

• Neurological diseases – Conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or strokes affect bladder control

• Cognitive decline – In Alzheimer’s and similar diseases, memory and motor issues make timely bathroom visits harder

With proper medical care and the use of daily protection products, people with these conditions can enjoy a better quality of life.