Different Types of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can be a frustrating and embarrassing issue for many patients, but help is available. The first step in treating your incontinence is making an appointment with a urologist for diagnosis. There are several different kinds of incontinence, and the kind you have will dictate the best treatment approach. Here is a look at some of the most common forms of urinary incontinence.

Stress Incontinence

If you experience urine leakage when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise, you may have stress incontinence. This type of incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become weakened, allowing the pressure on your bladder to increase. Childbirth is the most common culprit behind pelvic floor muscle damage, but obesity and certain medications can also play a role. In addition, men may experience stress incontinence after prostate surgery.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence is also referred to as overactive bladder or OAB. It is typically caused by nerve damage to the bladder or other parts of the nervous system or by muscle damage and is most common in people with conditions that affect the nerves, like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Bladder infections can also be a trigger. With urge incontinence, you will feel a frequent urge to use the bathroom and may not be able to control your bladder and make it in time.

Mixed Urinary Incontinence

Not everyone with urinary incontinence has just one form. Women, in particular, are likely to have both stress and urge incontinence. With mixed incontinence, your urologist may combine different treatments to resolve all of your symptoms.

If you are living with incontinence, start a conversation with a urologist at Urology Associates, P.C. today. There are a wide variety of treatments that can help you overcome incontinence and reclaim your confidence. To learn more incontinence treatment options or to schedule an appointment, please call 888-245-0702.