People who develop urinary incontinence before middle age are likely to have a genetic predisposition to the condition, research in the journal European Urology suggests. Swedish scientists studied more than 25,000 twins, aged 20 to 46, to investigate the causes of the common problem, which affects around a third of women at some point during their lifetime.

The researchers compared the prevalence of symptoms in identical twins and non-identical twins and found that genetic factors played a significant role in determining whether or not an individual had urinary incontinence. Gynaecologist Anna Lena Wennberg, who was involved at the study at the University of Gothenburg and the Karolinska Institute, revealed: "Incontinence is caused by a combination of factors. "We already knew that there are hereditary factors, but now we've been able to show for the first time how important the genetic component is for various types of urinary tract disorder."
Overall, the study revealed that around half of people's susceptibility to urinary incontinence can be explained by their genes.
Meanwhile, around a third of people's susceptibility to nocturia - the need to urinate in the night - has a genetic explanation.
Despite the findings, Dr Wennberg said that treatment will continue to focus on lifestyle factors that are easier to influence, "such as smoking and excess weight".
NHS experts also advise people with urinary incontinence to reduce their caffeine intake and to try pelvic floor muscle exercises.