Is my urinary incontinence caused by giving birth vaginally?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I've had urinary incontinence ever since I gave birth last year. Why?
DEAR READER: Many women who give birth vaginally go on to develop loss of bladder control. This is called urinary incontinence. Childbirth can cause two types of incontinence. If urine leaks out when you jump, cough or laugh, or during any activity that puts pressure on your bladder, you have stress incontinence. You have urge incontinence (overactive bladder) if you feel a strong, overwhelming urge to urinate, even when your bladder isn't full. You probably also release some urine before you make it to the bathroom.