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.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 10/8/2020
References
https://www.continence.org.au/types-incontinence/urinary-incontinence
https://www.acog.org/en/Patient%20Resources/FAQs/Gynecologic%20Problems/Urinary%20Incontinence
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-incontinence
https://www.acog.org/en/Patient%20Resources/FAQs/Gynecologic%20Problems/Urinary%20Incontinence
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-incontinence
Complete List
Top What Are the 6 Types of Urinary Incontinence? Related Articles
What Is the Best Treatment for Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine from the bladder that you can’t control. There are different kinds of urinary incontinence, and not all types are permanent. Treatment for urinary incontinence may include catheters, urine drainage bags, absorbent products, toilet substitutes and skin care products.
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.
Bladder Spasms
People who have bladder spasms, the sensation occurs suddenly and often severely. A spasm itself is the sudden, involuntary squeezing of a muscle. A bladder spasm, or "detrusor contraction," occurs when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly without warning, causing an urgent need to release urine. The spasm can force urine from the bladder, causing leakage. When this happens, the condition is called urge incontinence or overactive bladder.
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.
Why Do I Pee So Often?
You went to the bathroom to pee just a few minutes ago. Now you need to go again. What's going on? Here are some possible reasons.
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.
Sex, Urinary, and Bladder Problems of Diabetes
Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of bladder symptoms (urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections) and changes in sexual function. Men may have erectile dysfunction; and women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Keep your diabetes under control, and you can lower your risk of sexual and urologic problems.
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.
UTI Slideshow
Urinary tract infections (UTI), including bladder infections, affect women and men, causing UTI symptoms like kidney infection. Read about UTI symptoms, treatment, causes, and home remedies.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 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.