Incontinence and fall risk

The facts about incontinence and fall risk

Many people in the UK experience urinary incontinence.

Types of incontinence

• Stress incontinence: during this time urine can leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise. This is caused by a weak bladder and weak pelvic floor muscles.
• Urge incontinence: this is when you feel a sudden and intense need to pass urine and you’re unable to delay going to the toilet. As you get older your bladder becomes more unpredictable, may give less warning, and may need emptying more often. This can be normal, until it becomes a problem or starts to cause incontinence.
• Overflow incontinence: this can occur when the bladder does not empty completely, causing a urine build up and possible “overflow”.
• Nocturia: this occurs throughout the night when you are awoken up to pass urine (this may occur more than two times per night). This can disturb your sleeping pattern and lead to you feeling more fatigued.

Incontinence related fall risk factors

Incontinence can increase the risk of falls in numerous ways:

• rushing, this can be in relation to rushing to the toilet in fear of not reaching it on time. It can also be in relation to getting out of bed at night, in the dark and when still feeling sleepy
• drowsiness, this can be as a result of interrupted sleep and can affect how alert you are throughout the day which may also put you at a higher risk of falling
• some medications can be used to treat incontinence, examples include, antidepressants (Cymbalta and Tofranil) and anticholinergic medications (Ditropan, Oxytrol, and Detrol) however these can increase risk of suffering from postural hypotension which increases risk of falls (postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure when you stand up after lying or sitting down)
• poor fluid intake, people often tend to avoid drinking the recommended amount of fluid (8 cups per day) as a result of suffering from incontinence, however, this can lead to problems such as dehydration and urinary tract infections which increases risk of falls, reducing fluid intake can also exacerbate symptoms of urgency, frequency, and incontinence
• people may avoid going out into the community out of fear of not knowing where the next toilet will be, this may lead to social isolation, reduced movement which can then lead to having difficulty completing daily activities and walking and contribute to risk of falls
• distracted, people may be more distracted when walking as a result of being focused on needing to go to the toilet and this can link with rushing
• reduced mobility and balance make it difficult to reach the toilet
• walking aids, some people may avoid using their walking aid as they may believe they can reach the toilet quicker however not using your walking aid can significantly increase your risk of falling

Strategies for reducing falls risk

There are many ways for you to manage or improve your incontinence:

• speak to your GP or health care professional about any concerns you have, they can advise you of the services available to support you
• use continence products until you are confident about being able to manage your incontinence
• complete pelvic floor exercises
• move little and often
• exercises to improve balance, walking and transfers
• speak to your health professional if you believe equipment may be needed to support you. This can include aspects such as bedside commode or urinal
• wear clothing that can be easily removed or undone like loose fitting items or Velcro fastenings
• leave a night light on in the bedroom and, or bathroom at night
• try to drink the required amount throughout the day
• ensure the path to the toilet is free from clutter and obstructions that become trip hazards
• use your walking aid (if you have one) when going to the toilet

Page last reviewed: August 12, 2025
Next review due: August 12, 2026