Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, or the uncontrolled leakage of urine, is typically broken down into three main types. For some patients, urinary incontinence may also be present as a combination of these categories:
1. Stress incontinence is related to increased pressure in the abdomen. Abdominal pressure may rise due to coughing, sneezing or exercising.
2. Urge incontinence occurs in patients who have a strong, uncontrollable urge to urinate that leads to uncontrollable voiding of urine.
3. Overflow incontinence is incontinence occurring after urinary retention.
Urinary incontinence may be caused by one or more of the following:
- Weakness of muscles of urinary bladder or pelvic floor
- Urinary tract infections
- Childbirth
- Injury in pelvic region
- Birth defects
- Blockage of urethra
- Brain or spinal cord injuries
Patients may take steps to improve urinary continence, including: avoiding the overuse of diuretics, antidepressants and cold medications; practicing double-emptying of the bladder (urinate, wait a few seconds, then urinate again); avoiding constipation; avoiding smoking; and retraining the bladder by passing urine every 3 to 6 hours.
Learn more about incontinence treatment options.
