6 Common Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women

Urinary incontinence is a common issue for women. It can be an embarrassing and tricky medical condition, but this does not mean you have to hide it. Understanding which type of urinary incontinence you are experiencing could help you find the best solution.

1. Stress Incontinence

This form of urinary incontinence is caused by movements placing extensive pressure on the bladder, leading to leakage of the bladder. These movements can include anything from walking and running to sneezing or laughing. This type of incontinence is common among women who are pregnant or recently underwent childbirth, as these things can cause the pelvic-floor muscles to weaken. 

2. Urgency Incontinence

This form of incontinence occurs in women when they have a strong desire to urinate but are unable to hold the urine in. Urgency incontinence is typically caused by involuntary contractions of the bladder, commonly caused by nerve signals. Even drinking a small amount of water or hearing running water can cause some women to urinate without control. Even a cold breeze may bring about the symptoms. Women who experience anxiety or who take certain types of medications may suffer from urgency incontinence more frequently than others. Additionally, urgency incontinence is more common in women who have experienced nerve damage in the past or who have a history of Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease.

3. Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence is a combination of urgency and stress incontinence.

4. Functional Incontinence

This type of incontinence most commonly occurs in individuals who have a physical disability or obstacles blocking them from getting to the toilet in time. For instance, you may be caring for your mother who suffers from dementia. She may struggle to communicate that she needs to use the restroom. This would also apply to an elderly woman confined to a wheelchair who is unable to walk to the bathroom on her own and requires assistance due to arthritis. 

5. Transient Incontinence

Some forms of urinary incontinence are temporary, and this applies to transient incontinence. Generally, this form is brought on by medication use or a temporary medical condition, such as a urinary tract infection or caffeine overload.

6. Overflow Incontinence

If you fail to empty your bladder properly, you may experience spilling over. This is overflow incontinence, often caused by weak bladder muscles or a blockage of the urethra. This condition is commonly caused when certain diseases, like diabetes, cause damage to the nerves. Additionally, this condition can be brought on by urinary stones and masses. This is incredibly rare, but it does happen on occasion.

​Urinary incontinence is most common in women after menopause, and it can be embarrassing for many to deal with. On the bright side, many forms of incontinence have solutions. Medical treatment may help ease the symptoms of the condition quickly. Talk to a company like Vesy Lab for more information.


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