US Medical Term · symptoms
Urinary Incontinence
Incontinencia urinaria
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Urinary Incontinence |
| Spanish (Español) | Incontinencia urinaria |
| Chinese (中文) | 尿失禁 |
| Korean (한국어) | 요실금 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tiểu không kiểm soát |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Hindi mapigilan ang pag-ihi |
| Portuguese (Português) | Incontinência urinária |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กลั้นปัสสาวะไม่อยู่ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 尿失禁 |
What it means
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leaking of urine. It affects millions of Americans and is more common in women and older adults, though it can occur at any age. The two most common types are stress incontinence, where leakage occurs with physical exertion like coughing, sneezing, or laughing, and urge incontinence, where leakage follows a sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate. Causes include weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, enlarged prostate, urinary tract infections, and certain medications. While often underreported due to embarrassment, urinary incontinence is treatable and should be discussed openly with a healthcare provider.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I leak urine when I cough, sneeze, or lift something heavy.
Se me escapa la orina cuando toso, estornudo o levanto algo pesado.
I don't always make it to the bathroom in time and I have accidents.
No siempre llego al baño a tiempo y tengo accidentes.
I've been wearing pads because I leak urine throughout the day.
He tenido que usar compresas porque se me escapa la orina durante el día.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R32 Unspecified urinary incontinenceRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026