Sometimes, conditions such as urinary tract infection, vaginal inflammation, constipation, restricted physical movements (e.g. stroke, Parkinson's diseases and arthritis) and side-effects from certain medicines can cause or worsen urinary incontinence. These situations are only temporary and can be cured when these causes are treated.However, if urinary incontinence is still present after these temporary causes have been treated, it could be due to the bladder's inability to store or empty urine properly or a urethral malfunction.

Below are some common factors that cause urinary incontinence:

• Weak pelvic floor muscles supporting the bladder outlet. Multiple childbirths, menopause, obesity and the lack of pelvic floor exercises can weaken the muscles.
• Nerve disorders like stroke and dementia causing a loss of bladder control. When the bladder muscles are too active, urine leaks. However, in 90% of the women with overactive bladder, no cause can be found.
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder causes urinary retention and overflow.