When you’re dealing with two different health issues, it can be hard to tell which came first. Incontinence has several causes, including childbirth, enlarged prostate, menopause and other hormonal changes, but there have also been links found between incontinence and psychological disorders.
Urinary incontinence can quite obviously affect one’s emotional state—it can be embarrassing and even depressing to deal with involuntary leaks and accidents. This causes more stress and anxiety for many women (and some men) because they are afraid to go out in public or participate in certain activities.
Some studies also suggest that stress and anxiety may cause incontinence or make a mild case worse. This article from the Calm Clinic explains:
Now, there is one thing that is known about anxiety: Severe anxiety actually turns off a part of the brain that controls urine and defecation. That’s why during periods of extreme anxiety, it’s not uncommon to feel the need to go to the bathroom.
Talk to your urologist if incontinence becomes an issue for you.