Below you will learn about the 4 most common types of urinary incontinence.
Bladder suffering from stress
incontinence; the sphincter
system is not working properly
anymore. This causes involuntary
leakage during times of physical
exertion.
Stress incontinence* Stress incontinence being the most common form of incontinence, is urine leakage with physical exertion or effort - coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, walking or when lifting things.
Both men and women may develop stress incontinence, although it is mainly women who suffer from it as the bladder outlet (urethra) is very close to the birth canal (vagina). Both the urethra and vagina pass through the pelvic floor muscles which support the urethra. Pregnancy and childbirth can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles which support the urethra.
Men may develop stress incontinence after prostate surgery. Generally this improves with time. However, some men need ongoing professional help with their incontinence.
Another reason for weakness of the pelvic floor muscles is obesity.
Urge incontinence as a result
of bladder inflammation; the
urge to urinate is caused by
the irritation of the bladders
mucosa.
Urge incontinence*
Urge incontinence occurs with a sudden, strong urge to pass urine. It is associated with frequency, the need to pass urine more often than usual. It is also associated with nocturia (waking several times at night to pass urine). Some people have such a strong urge - and so little warning - that they wet their bed or their clothing
Urge incontinence is often caused by an over-active or unstable bladder. This can happen at any age, but becomes more common as people get older. Often the cause of an unstable is unknown or may be due to nervous diseases or even of psychological nature.
It can happen following a stroke, in Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other health problems which interfere with the brain's ability to send messages to the bladder via the spinal cord. This affects a person's ability to continue to hold and store urine.
Overflow incontinence*
Overflow incontinence happens when urine leaks out from an already over-full bladder. The bladder does not empty completely. Urine continues to fill the bladder and then overflows with little sensation or warning.
Symptoms include:
straining to pass urine
a weak urine stream
feeling as if your bladder is not empty just after going to the toilet
little or no warning when you need to pass urine
passing urine while asleep
frequent urinary tract infections
There are several causes for this:
A blockage to the urethra constipation (this puts pressure on the urethra, making it difficult to pass urine)
An enlarged prostate in men
A prolapse of pelvic organs in women (which can also block the urethra)
Damage to nerves that control the bladder, urethra sphincter and pelvic floor muscles (so that the bladder cannot empty properly)
Diabetes, MS, stroke and Parkinson's disease (these conditions can interfere with the sensation of a full bladder and with bladder emptying)
Some medicines can interfere with bladder function, including medicines and herbal products that you can buy over the counter, at the chemist and at your supermarket. Therefore: discuss all medicines with your doctor!
Reflex incontinence
People suffering from reflex incontinence don't feel any urge to empty their bladder at all. In fact, it empties itself automatically and very often not completely: urine remains in the bladder. The bladder cannot be emptied and urination cannot be interrupted consciously. Sometimes situations causing urination, such as change of position, may be perceived. Reflex incontinence occurs with people having nervous disorders, most of all after spinal cord injuries or Multiple Sclerosis.
