Urinary incontinence refers to a loss of bladder control, and it’s a common condition in the US. It can be as severe as being unable to reach the bathroom in time to occasional leakage when you sneeze.

While bladder leakage and urinary incontinence can occur across genders and age groups, it’s more common among older women and can affect their daily life significantly. However, most types of urinary incontinence can be managed and treated with a few lifestyle changes.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is not caused by mental stress but actual physical stress where you      are putting pressure on the bladder and forcing out urine. If you’re leaking due to a simple cough, sneeze, or laugh—it is a sign of stress incontinence.

This type of incontinence is due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or a weakened urethral sphincter caused by an injury, pregnancies, or due to age.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence is also sometimes referred to as an overactive bladder. It’s when you have the urge to rush to the bathroom even when your bladder isn’t full. An overactive bladder often results in accidents when you’re unable to reach the bathroom in time.

Generally, the causes of urge incontinence are hard to pin down. For some people, it happens for unknown reasons. For others, urge incontinence can be caused by severe factors like neurological conditions or something as simple as a high caffeine intake.

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence is categorized by a leakage that happens without warning at times. It is mostly when you don’t empty your bladder completely, and hence it leaks.

This type of incontinence is typically caused by blockages and is more common in men facing prostate problems.

Functional Incontinence

Functional incontinence is very different from other types. Mental or physical barriers usually cause it. Due to these barriers, patients are unable to make it to the bathroom in time, resulting in involuntary leaks.

Typically, functional continence is associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia or a diagnosis such as arthritis. It can also be due to a neurological issue like spinal cord damage.

If you’re not sure what type of urinary incontinence you’re dealing with, we can help you determine the exact type and guide you toward treatment options.

Dr. Shelia Whiteman at The Pelvic Coach is one of the best pelvic health therapists and can help you with solutions for a leaky bladder.

Get in touch with us to learn more.

If you are concerned about bladder leaks, there is also a free online presentation that will help you on the journey to reducing and eliminating your bladder leaks. Please visit  www.thepelviccoach.com/free for more information.