Symptoms of Incontinence, urinary

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Stress incontinence

Stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence. This is when a small amount of urine leaks out during physical activity, including coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting or sex (usually at penetration). This is because your pelvic floor muscles are weak and can't tighten (contract) properly. Usually only a little bit of urine leaks out but it can be very embarrassing. This type of incontinence is common in women after having children or after the menopause.

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence is the second most common type of incontinence. It is also known as having an unstable or overactive bladder. With this type of incontinence, the bladder contracts involuntarily, leading to a loss of bladder control and the release of large amounts of urine. This happens because there is a problem with the messages between the brain and the bladder. The bladder may feel fuller than it is and tells the brain it is full too early. The bladder muscle squeezes too early and empties completely - often before you have a chance to get to a toilet.

Urge incontinence may happen during any activity, even when youâ€™re sat still. It is often triggered by a sudden change of position, is worse in times of stress and can happen during sex, particularly when you orgasm. People with urge incontinence often go to the toilet a lot during the night.

Overflow incontinence

This kind of incontinence is also known as incomplete bladder emptying. It is most common in older men who often have a slightly enlarged prostate gland, which is just underneath the bladder. The urine outflow tube passes through the middle of the prostate, and any enlargement of the gland presses on the urine tube. This makes it difficult for the bladder to empty and fill up completely, and a pool of urine constantly remains in the bladder. The area behind the obstruction is tense and highly pressurised and the bladder regularly releases a small involuntary dribble of urine. This condition is very rare in women.

Reflex Bladder

Some people have no control over their bladder at all. This is called reflex bladder. Some people have it all their lives and some develop it after injury or illness.Mixed incontinenceSome people have stress and urge incontinence together.

Nocturia

People who need to go to the toilet more than normal during the night are said to have a condition called nocturia.