last updated 18-03-2024

(In)continence

(In)continence

This section contains information on both urinary and fecal incontinence and urinary retention and constipation. Continence of both urine and stool is a delicate balance between anatomy and central nervous system control. Several diseases and drugs can disturb this balance.

Incontinence is a frequently occurring problem in elderly people and usually becomes more frequent with increasing age. This problem has a serious impact on quality of life of elderly.

Incontinence and retention/constipation cannot be considered as opposite events. Constipation can lead to fecal incontinence and similarly urine retention can result in urine incontinence. These situations can be interpreted as incontinence, but the cause is retention of feces or urine.

For further information: incontinence and retention and constipation.

1

Which of the following is NOT a cause of polyuria?