There are four common types of incontinence, each with various causes and levels of severity:

Stress incontinence usually affects women and is caused by a decrease in pelvic muscle tone and/or ability of the urethra to close tightly. Unexpected leakage results from coughing, laughing, exercising or other sudden stress on the bladder.

Urge incontinence occurs when a person feels an intense and uncontrollable urge to urinate. It can be brought on by certain medications, alcohol, caffeine, bladder infection, pregnancy or an enlarged prostate.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder fills beyond its capacity and leakage results.

Reflex incontinence is the loss of voluntary control. Urination happens without the sensation of a full bladder or the need to urinate.