Risk Factors for Urge Incontinence

Primary Risk Factors

The American College of Physicians suggests that advancing age is the strongest independent risk factor for urge incontinence, with prevalence increasing from 13% in young nulligravid women to 75% in older women 1
The American Diabetes Association indicates that diabetes mellitus is a major independent risk factor, associated with a 30-100% increased risk of urge incontinence compared to non-diabetic women 3, 4
Diabetic women treated with insulin are at considerably higher risk of urge incontinence than those treated with oral medications or diet alone, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 3
The mechanism involves detrusor muscle paralysis, impaired bladder sensation, and altered urothelial signaling from chronic hyperglycemia, as reported by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 3, 4

The American Urological Association notes that functional and cognitive impairment alter the clinical presentation and treatment approach for urge incontinence 5, 6

The American College of Physicians recommends that increasing parity, advancing age, and obesity should not be used to limit screening - annual screening is recommended for all women regardless of risk factors 7
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that many women do not volunteer symptoms despite significant impact on quality of life, making systematic screening essential 7
Smoking and caffeine consumption are associated with urinary incontinence symptoms, as reported by the American Heart Association 1
Detrusor overactivity from urothelial dysfunction and altered prostaglandin release contributes to urgency symptoms, according to the International Continence Society 4