Urinary Incontinence

Types of urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence comes in various forms and impacts women differently. From stress incontinence to functional limitations, each variation requires distinct approaches for improved bladder health and overall well-being.

• Stress incontinence: Stress incontinence occurs when physical activities such as coughing, sneezing or lifting lead to unintentional urine leakage. It’s common in women, particularly after childbirth or menopause, and results from insufficient support for the bladder and urethra.
• Urge incontinence: Urge incontinence, often associated with an overactive bladder, involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate, leading to involuntary urine leakage. Overactive bladder, characterized by a heightened urge to urinate, contributes to this condition.
• Overflow incontinence: Overflow incontinence happens when your bladder doesn’t empty fully, leading to a constant, involuntary leakage of small amounts of urine. You may have trouble going to the bathroom or feel your bladder is not empty after urinating.
• Functional incontinence: Functional incontinence results when you have the physical or cognitive capacity to control your bladder but face challenges reaching the toilet in time due to other health issues.
• Mixed incontinence: Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. You may involuntarily leak urine during activities that exert pressure on your bladder (stress incontinence) and have sudden urges to urinate that may lead to leakage (urge incontinence).

Causes of urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence can occur for many reasons. Some relate to your diet or medications, while others are due to medical conditions and hormonal changes.

Risk factors for urinary incontinence

Risk factors that contribute to urinary incontinence include some lifestyle elements you can change and many factors you cannot. Understanding your risk factors can help you avoid or better manage incontinence.

• Age: As you get older, muscles in your bladder and pelvic region weaken.
• Excess weight: Obesity puts added pressure on the bladder and the muscles around it, increasing the risk of incontinence. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a nutritious diet can help reduce your risk.
• Genetics: Certain genetic conditions influence the strength and integrity of pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. Your risk of incontinence increases if you develop weak pelvic floor muscles.
• Sex: Women are at greater risk for urinary incontinence due to factors including multiple childbirths, particularly vaginal deliveries, and hormonal changes during menopause.
• Smoking: Smoking is linked to chronic coughing, which can weaken pelvic muscles and contribute to stress incontinence. Quitting smoking benefits your overall health and reduces your risk.

Diagnosing urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is typically something you can identify on your own. However, your gynecologist or women’s health provider can help you learn its cause so you can work together to find a treatment. Diagnosing the cause of urinary incontinence involves a physical exam and lab and imaging tests. Your provider may also ask you to log certain information in a bladder diary.

Urinary incontinence treatment

Urinary incontinence can significantly impact your quality of life, but various treatment options, ranging from noninvasive to surgical procedures, exist to help you address and manage this condition. Exploring these diverse approaches provides you with choices tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions