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Urinary incontinence is a topic that doesn't get talked about enough, yet it affects millions of people around the world(1). Whether it's an occasional leak or a more frequent issue, incontinence can feel frustrating and inconvenient. However, understanding the different types of incontinence can help you manage your symptoms and find the best solution for you.
There are several types of urinary incontinence, and each with its own causes and characteristics. By learning more about the different types of incontinence, you can take the first step toward managing your symptoms and regaining control.
The Uqora science team created this resource to support you in navigating your urinary health journey. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence is when you experience an involuntary leakage of urine(2). It's more common than many people might think, affecting over 423 million people 20 years and older worldwide, with approximately 25% to 45% of females reporting some degree of it(1). That's a significant number of people who are dealing with this issue daily!
Understanding the different types of urinary incontinence can support you in making informed decisions for your urinary health. Each type has its own causes and treatment methods, and knowing which type of incontinence you're dealing with can help you manage your symptoms and find a solution that feels good to you.
Plus, we hope this can help reduce the stigma around incontinence by promoting awareness and understanding about every aspect of the condition.
The only way to diagnose any type of urinary incontinence is to visit your doctor and generally they will follow this protocol to understand:
Stress incontinence is one of the most common types of urinary incontinence. It happens when physical movements or activities, like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, put pressure on your bladder, causing a leak(3).
The main causes of stress incontinence include:
Urge incontinence is when you experience a sudden, immediate urge to urinate and involuntarily urinate. If you find yourself needing to rush to the bathroom frequently and sometimes not making it in time, you might be dealing with urge incontinence(3).
Several factors can contribute to urge incontinence, including:
Imagine trying to pour water into a full glass—it spills over because there's no more room. Overflow incontinence works the same way and occurs when the bladder doesn't empty properly, causing it to overflow and leak urine(3).
There are several reasons why overflow incontinence may happen:
Functional incontinence is when someone has difficulty making it to the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive impairments rather than bladder function itself(3). Mobility issues, arthritis, or dementia, can all prevent us from reaching the bathroom in time.
Several factors can contribute to functional incontinence:
Mixed incontinence is just what it sounds like; it's a combination of different types of urinary incontinence, most commonly it refers to stress and urge incontinence occurring together. This means experiencing leaks from both physical movements that put pressure on the bladder (like coughing or laughing) and sudden urges to urinate that are difficult to control(3).
Mixed urinary incontinence often happens when both stress and urge incontinence are present. Stress incontinence is caused by weak pelvic muscles or problems with the urinary sphincter, while urge incontinence involves sudden, uncontrollable bladder contractions due to factors like nerve issues or bladder sensitivity(14).
When it comes to managing symptoms of urinary incontinence, the treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the type of incontinence you're experiencing.
In order to find the best treatment option for you, you’ll need to be diagnosed by a medical professional. Here are some common treatments they might suggest:
Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) might seem like similar experiences, but they're actually different when it comes to how they present. Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine, which can happen throughout the day for various reasons. On the other hand, OAB is characterized by feelings of urgency and frequent urination even if your bladder isn't completely full.
OAB can sometimes be accompanied with urinary incontinence, but not always. So, while they both affect your bladder, knowing the difference can help you and your doctor figure out the best way to treat whichever you're experiencing.
If you're experiencing either of these, chatting with your healthcare provider can help you sort out the best plan to keep your symptoms under control.
Learn more about the difference between overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and UTI.
Figuring out how to manage incontinence means understanding the different types and causes of incontinence.
Remember, everyone's experience with incontinence is different, so teaming up with a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with can help ensure you get the support you need to feel your best.