Incontinence is the inability to control the passage of urine. This can range from an occasional leakage of urine, to a complete inability to hold any urine.
The three main types of urinary incontinence are:
Stress incontinence -- occurs during certain activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
Stress incontinence is a bladder storage problem in which the strength of the muscles (urethral sphincter) that help control urination is reduced. The sphincter is not able to prevent urine flow when there is increased pressure from the abdomen.
Stress incontinence may occur as a result of weakened pelvic muscles that support the bladder and urethra or because of a malfunction of the urethral sphincter.
Treatment for stress incontinence may include behavioral changes, medication, pelvic floor muscle training or surgery.
Urge incontinence -- involves a strong, sudden need to urinate followed by instant bladder contraction and involuntary loss of urine. You don't have enough time between when you recognize the need to urinate and when you actually do urinate.
In most cases of urge incontinence, no specific cause can be identified.Although urge incontinence may occur in anyone at any age, it is more common in women and the elderly.
Treatment for urge incontinence may include medication, retraining, and surgery.
Mixed incontinence -- contains components of both stress and urge incontinence. |
