The bladder is situated above and in front of the uterus and vagina. It is subject to all changes that can occur in surrounding tissues, particularly with the ones that can change its shape and position such as due to childbirth. It is a muscular organ which can respond to exercise and can be strengthened.

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder, urine is produced continuously by the kidneys. From each kidney the urine passes down a tube called the 'urethra' into the bladder (a muscular sack in which urine is stored until it is expelled from the body). There is a muscular ring, the 'sphincter' at the neck the neck of the bladder which prevents urine from passing accidently. When the bladder is full you get a sensation for the need to pass urine. This occurs through the nerves in the bladder wall. When you pass urine your sphincter muscle relaxes and your bladder muscles contract enabling you to pass urine through the 'urethra' tube.

The elimination of urine is usually a voluntary process for adults. Urination is a fairly complex function involving various muscles and nerves, therefore it is not seen as unusual for a disruption in normal bladder control to occur. When this does happen incontinence occurs (the involuntary loss of urine from the bladder). This can occur during coughing, lifting, laughing and sneezing. This is usually referred to as stress incontinence due to the stress of increased physical pressure on the bladder. Urge incontinence is when you have the urge to rush to the lavatory. These are both different types of incontinence which are discussed under the sections 'Stress Incontinence' and 'Urge Incontinence'.

Incontinence is very common and occurs about twice as often in women than in men. This is due to the pelvic floor muscles being weakened during childbirth and after the menopause (a lack of the hormone oestrogen). Pelvic surgery may also cause damage to these muscles. All of the above problems cause reduced resistance to the flow of urine.

Pelvic floor exercises can help with stress or mild incontinence.