Save 20% On Your First Autoship Order
Urinary incontinence is any leakage of urine that is not within your control and which may happen at any unsuitable time and in the most inappropriate place. It is quite a common bladder leakage problem and can often be a source of embarrassment leading to an impact on social life. However, incontinence is not a disease but a condition and the result of an underlying disorder.
The severity of urinary incontinence differs from person to person. While some may experience dribble from a cough, sneeze or even laughter there are others who suffer heavy urine leakage if unable to get to the toilet on time. Incontinence involves leaking urine and bladder leakage to frequent urination and total loss of bladder control.
There are four types of urinary incontinence – stress urinary incontinence, urgeurinary incontinence, overflow urinary incontinence and total urinary incontinence. And loss of bladder control in all the types is mostly for different reasons.
Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, is a problem that affects both men and women but is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. It is characterized by dribbling urine when pressure is exerted on the urinary bladder as a result of a cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise. In women, the causes of stress incontinence are weak pelvic floor muscles or loss of support of the urethra as a result of childbirth and also physical changes due to menopause. Stress urinary incontinence in men may be due to prostate cancer treatment when the prostate gland has been removed.
Urge urinary incontinence is characterized by the sudden and urgent need to urinate resulting in involuntary loss of urine without getting sufficient time to get to the toilet. This is due to an overactive bladder and caused by unrestrained contractions of the detrusor muscle. Urge urinary incontinence is often the result of injury to the central nervous system when nerve passages along the pathway from the bladder to the brain are damaged. Other reasons are Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, urinary tract infection or bowel problems.
More common in men than women, overflow urinary incontinence is leakage because of a bladder which is always full. The person produces only a weak stream of urine while trying to urinate, due to weak muscles that expel urine from the bladder or a blockage, and is, therefore, unable to empty out the bladder completely. So there is always more urine in the bladder than its holding capacity leading to overflow and frequent or constant urine leakage. The causes for this are many – back injury, damaged bladder, diabetes, obstructed airflow, enlarged prostate gland in men, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury or blocked urethra.
The fourth type of incontinence is total incontinence which is continuous leakage of urine following loss of urinary control. A primary cause for this is a neurogenic bladder. This is a neurological problem which does not allow the bladder to empty out properly. The reasons for total incontinence are multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other nerve disorders. In women this is also the result of vesicovaginal fistula which is an abnormal link between the bladder and the vagina.
Apart from the above mentioned incontinence types, there are also mixed incontinence, reflex incontinence, transient incontinence and functional incontinence. Mixed incontinence is a condition in which the person experiences both stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Functional incontinence is, as its name suggests, the person’s inability to pass urine the normal way because of physical or mental impairment. This is usually seen in older people.
Transient incontinence is a temporary condition experienced due to urinary tract infection, pregnancy, constipation, delirium or acute confusion. Reflex incontinence is characterized by involuntary leaking of urine following loss of bladder control due to damage to the nerves, spinal cord or brain.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Razia Sanwari is a journalist by profession with more than 20 years of experience in the print media. With a Masters's in English Language and Literature, Razia began her career as a junior editor in a Kolkata English language daily ...
Enteral Feeding: The What, When, and How
When traditional oral intake is not feasible, enteral feeding comes into play. It supports nutritional needs of individuals recovering from an injury or surgery. Dive into this informative article and learn what, when, why, and how of enteral feeding and ensure optimal patient care.
Using the Carpal Solution Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support
Looking for a non-invasive option to manage carpal tunnel symptoms? Experience relief from constant tingling and pain with this Carpal Solution Wrist Support. Read this article to know about the unique features and benefits of this wrist support brace designed to deal with CTS and find why it is one of the most reliable wrist braces available on the market.
Top 5 Best Reviewed Nebulizers of 2023
Need an effective and affordable nebulizer? Look no further, in this article we offer 5 of our best reviewed nebulizers that are loved by our customers. Click to read more and find the perfect nebulizer for all your respiratory needs.
10 Best Overnight Adult Diapers
Worried about nighttime leaks? Say goodbye to leakage with our ten best overnight adult diapers and wake up refreshed and dry.
Five Best Cervical Traction Devices of 2023
Neck pain can wreak havoc on your otherwise healthy life. Traction device improves your cervical health and overall well-being. Read more to find our best cervical traction devices designed to curb the stiffness and discomfort of cervical muscles.