What Happens

Urinary incontinence that often appears suddenly and usually clears up when the underlying cause is treated is called temporary incontinence. For example, incontinence resulting from a urinary tract infection will disappear when the infection is cured.

Long-term (chronic) incontinence usually starts gradually and slowly becomes worse. As incontinence gets worse, a woman may:

• Avoid going out in public because of embarrassment.
• Become less active.
• Have physical problems caused by frequent urine contact, such as irritation of the groin area and more frequent urinary tract infections.

Treating the cause of chronic incontinence often eliminates or controls these problems.