
There are six types of urinary incontinence; the clinical presentation and causes vary with each type:
- Stress incontinence: Urine leaks involuntarily when there is increased pressure exerted on the abdomen and bladder while straining, exercising, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.
- Overflow incontinence: Patients have frequent and/or constant dribbling of urine because the bladder doesn't empty completely. This may be seen in patients with spinal cord injury, nerve damage, prostate problems, etc.
- Urge incontinence: There is a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. Patients urinate frequently, including throughout the night, disturbing sleep. Urge incontinence may be caused by urinary tract infections or neurologic disorders.
- Functional incontinence: A physical or mental condition that prevents patients from being able to make it to the toilet in time, for example, severe debilitating arthritis or psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
- Total incontinence: Patients always have continuous leakage of urine. The most common cause is an abnormal communication between the bladder and vagina that is called vesicovaginal fistula.
- Mixed incontinence: Patients suffer from more than one type of urinary incontinence.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine while straining, coughing, or sneezing or having a frequent urge to urinate that occurs suddenly. Some people may only experience occasional and minor leaks of urine, whereas others may lose small-to-moderate amounts of urine frequently. Urinary incontinence can affect daily activities and quality of life; hence, it requires appropriate treatment. Treatment involves medical management and lifestyle changes.
What causes urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence isn't a disease; it's a symptom of another underlying condition causing loss of bladder control.
Causes of temporary urinary incontinence: Certain foods, drinks, and medications can stimulate the bladder, increase fluid excretion, and increase the volume of urine. They include:
- Excessive caffeine
- Alcohol
- Aerated drinks
- Artificial sweeteners
- High dose of vitamin C
- Chocolate
- Foods that are high in spice, sugar, or acid, for example, citrus fruits
- Medications to treat heart conditions and regulate blood pressure, sedatives, muscle relaxants, and diuretics
Urinary incontinence due to treatable medical conditions:
Causes of persistent urinary incontinence:
- Pregnancy: Increased weight and size of the fetus and an expanding uterus can increase pressure in the uterus causing incontinence.
- Childbirth: Vaginal delivery can damage the nerves of the bladder and weaken muscles of the pelvic floor that are necessary for bladder control.
- Aging: Aging causes weakening of the bladder muscle and reduces the bladder's urine storage capacity. Involuntary bladder contractions may occur during old age.
- Menopause: After menopause, in women, there is a decrease in the reproductive hormone causing thinning of the lining of the bladder and urethra that can lead to incontinence.
- Hysterectomy (uterus removal surgery): The bladder and uterus are supported by many of the same muscles and ligaments. A hysterectomy can cause weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to incontinence.
- Enlarged prostate: Enlargement of the prostate gland, benign or cancerous, can cause incontinence.
- Obstruction in the urinary tract: A tumor or stones in any part of the urinary tract can block the normal urinary flow and can lead to overflow incontinence.
- Neurological disorders: Nerve damage due to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, a stroke, a brain tumor, and a brain or spinal injury can damage the nerves that affect bladder control.

QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://www.acog.org/en/Patient%20Resources/FAQs/Gynecologic%20Problems/Urinary%20Incontinence
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-incontinence
Top What Are the 6 Types of Urinary Incontinence? Related Articles
Bladder Cancer
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the grade of the tumor, and the type of bladder cancer. Options for treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy.
Bladder Cancer Slides
Bladder cancer occurs when cancerous cells, often from the lining of the bladder, begin to multiply. Find more information about bladder cancer, the stages of bladder cancer, and available treatment options.Bladder Picture
The urinary bladder is a muscular sac in the pelvis, just above and behind the pubic bone. See a picture of the Bladder and learn more about the health topic.Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
How Do I Stop Frequent Urination at Night?
Frequent urination at night affects more than 50% of adults. Learn why it happens, what doctors can do, and steps you can take to stop frequent urination at night.How Do You Care For An Incontinent Patient?
Learn about medical and home care treatments to help you manage urinary incontinence.How Long Does a Urodynamic Test Take?
The entire urodynamic test usually takes about 30 minutes. If the entire series of tests need to be performed, it may take up to one hour or more. The duration may differ among medical centers or hospitals. In children, the test may take longer—more than an hour.What Neurological Disorders Cause Loss of Bladder Control?
Loss of bladder control is urinary incontinence. Severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine while straining, coughing or sneezing to having a frequent sudden urge to urinate. The causes of neurologic urinary incontinence include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, brain tumor, spinal injury and heavy metal poisoning.Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Overactive bladder is a sudden involuntary contraction of the muscle wall of the bladder causing urinary urgency (an immediate unstoppable need to urinate). Overactive bladder is is a form of urinary incontinence. Treatment options may include Kegel exercises, biofeedback, vaginal weight training, pelvic floor electrical stimulation, behavioral therapy, and medications.Incontinence in Women
Urinary incontinence in women is a common problem. Overactive bladder (OAB), stress incontinence, and urge incontinence can be treated. Learn more about the types of urinary incontinence, their symptoms, and treatment options.Foods that Make You Go
What causes overactive bladder (OAB)? A natural remedy is to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and these foods. Learn the foods and drinks to avoid. Urinary incontinence can be stimulated by soda and fizzy drinks. These are foods and beverages that irritate your bladder.Bladder Infections: UTI Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) can happen to anyone. Learn about symptoms, causes and home remedy treatments for bladder and kidney infections in women, infants, and men.What Are 4 Types of Urinary Incontinence?
What is urinary continence? Learn the four different types, what causes them, and how to treat them.What Are the Different Types and Causes of Incontinence?
What is incontinence, and how do you know if you are experiencing it? Incontinence causes you to lose control of your bladder. Find out more about the condition and how to recognize its signs.What Is the Best Treatment for Cystocele?
Cystocele, or bladder prolapse, is a condition in which the bladder sags down into the vagina due to the weakening of the supporting structure between the bladder and the vagina. The treatment of cystocele may vary depending on various factors such as the severity of the disease and the presence of symptoms or any underlying medical conditions. Treatments range from watchful waiting to surgery.