The Four Basic Types Of Urinary Incontinence
There are four basic types of urinary incontinence. If you suffer from some form of incontinence, chances are that it is on this list. In general, when people think of urinary incontinence, they simply think of the inability to hold one's urine. Urinary incontinence can range in intensity, from a small, occasional dribble to a constant flow. However, did you know that there are actually four different types of urinary incontinence, each with its own set of symptoms and causes? Here are the four basic types of incontinence that most commonly affects many women.
Stress Incontinence – This is by far the most common form of incontinence. Is it caused by emotional stress? Not exactly. Stress incontinence refers to a form of incontinence that occurs whenever stress is placed on the bladder. This can happen when you laugh too hard, cough, sneeze, or any other slight provocation. Thus, it is called stress incontinence because this form of incontinence is caused when any small motion places stress on the bladder, thus causing the occasional case of incontinence. Stress incontinence is also common in women who have recently given birth. This occurs because the pelvic muscles and tissues have gotten stretched, making it easier for urine to drain. Stress incontinence can also be the result of playing high impact sports, age, or being overweight.
Urge Incontinence – This is another very common form of incontinence. Urge incontinence refers to the type of incontinence that is very commonly known as an overactive bladder. Urge incontinence generally refers to the involuntary loss of urine that can happen for any length of time, ranging from a few seconds and a few months. Who is most likely to suffer from urge incontinence? People with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or a urinary tract infection are more likely to suffer from this form of incontinence. People with urge incontinence find that they constantly have to use the restroom.
Mixed Incontinence – Mixed incontinence refers to those cases where the patient experiences more than one type of incontinence. The most common combination is that of urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Most health professionals believe that mixed incontinence is relatively common among women. Many researchers are even beginning to doubt whether there really is a clear demarcation between urge incontinence and stress incontinence. It is believed that mixed incontinence may just be the most common form of incontinence.
Overflow Incontinence – This form of incontinence refers to the type of incontinence that results when you simply cannot empty out your bladder when you use the restroom. People with overflow incontinence complain that they experience a constant dribbling, even after already using the restroom. So what causes overflow incontinence? It is believed that there are many different causes of this particular form of incontinence. The most common cause for this type of incontinence is the use of certain medications. There are some classes of drugs and medications that have been known to cause overflow incontinence. Individuals who suffer from diabetes or nerve damage are also more likely to suffer from overflow incontinence.