What Is Urinary Incontinence?

November 3, 2021

When you lose control of your bladder that’s defined as urinary incontinence. Essentially, you can’t always control when you need to urinate. Incontinence occurs if the urine leaves the bladder and urethra without warning. Did you know that approximately 25 million people nationwide are affected? Also, according to Depend, an adult personal incontinence product company, bladder leakage is most common in people over 50 years old, like me. But it can also affect younger people, especially women who have given birth. Men can experience urinary incontinence as well.

WHAT ARE THE 4 TYPES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE?

Stress Incontinence–Loss of urine when you place pressure or ‘stress’ on your bladder. Leakage when you sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise, or lift heavy items. Causes may include: physical changes from childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, being overweight

Urge Incontinence–Sudden, intense urge to urinate – often followed by involuntary loss of urine. Sudden or frequent emptying of bladder; getting up two or more times per night to urinate. Causes may include: bladder or urinary tract infections, bladder irritants, stroke, neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis
Overflow Incontinence–Frequent or constant dribble of urine. Feeling your bladder is never empty; sometimes only a weak stream of urine. Causes may include: damaged bladder, blocked urethra, diabetes
Functional Incontinence– Inability to reach bathroom in time. Physical or psychological impairment where you cannot reach the bathroom in time. Causes may include: mobility limitations, pain with movement, medications, arthritis