What are the 4 Types of Urinary Incontinence?

4 Types of Urinary Incontinence: Causes & Treatment Explained

The urinary system comprises various organs that help eliminate toxins from the body through urine. When these organs don’t work effectively, it results in urinary incontinence. Commonly known as the loss of bladder control, this medical condition leads to sudden leakage of urine.

It mostly affects women, especially during pregnancy or childbirth, and is categorised based on the underlying causes and symptoms of the problem. The severity of the disorder increases in older adults, but it isn’t an inevitable problem of ageing.

To treat urinary incontinence effectively, it’s important to determine its specific type. Here’s a breakdown of the four types of urinary incontinence and other crucial aspects.

1.  Stress Urinary Incontinence

This type of incontinence results when the muscles and tissues in the pelvic region are not strong enough. It occurs due to excessive muscle stretching during pregnancy and childbirth. Exercise, laughing, sneezing, or coughing can also put excess pressure on the bladder, leading to weakened pelvic muscles.

Other instances that contribute to stress incontinence are:

• Being obese
• Neurological disorders
• Trauma to the urethral sphincter muscle
• Side effects of medicines
• Menopause
• Prostate surgery

2.  Urge Urinary Incontinence

This type of incontinence causes an intense urge to urinate, which doesn’t give enough time to get to the washroom. It is commonly referred to as an overactive bladder. The following instances can contribute to an overactive bladder:

• Damage to the bladder’s nerves and other parts of the nervous system
• Damage to the muscles
• Menopause
• Ageing
• Nerve damage caused by chronic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and stroke.
• Infections and stones in the bladder can also result in an overactive bladder.

3.  Overflow Urinary Incontinence

This type of incontinence is characterised by the bladder’s inability to empty when you urinate. It means you will dribble urine when the bladder becomes full. The common causes of overflow incontinence are:

• Weakened bladder muscles
• Damages to the nerves
• Disorders that block the flow of urine, such as tumours or an enlarged prostate
• Constipation
• Other chronic conditions like diabetes and stroke can also result in overflow incontinence.
• This issue needs to be addressed and treated promptly to prevent serious complications, such as bladder infections.

4.  Functional Urinary Incontinence

This type of incontinence prevents the person from reaching the washroom on time to urinate. Disorders that affect cognitive abilities, such as dementia, can contribute to functional incontinence. It reduces the ability to recognise the need to use the toilet when it’s time to pee.

Apart from mental illnesses, physical conditions like arthritis can decrease the ability of a person to reach the toilet on time and lead to incontinence.

What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?

The main sign of urinary incontinence is the accidental release of urine, which often happens when a person sneezes, coughs, laughs, or exercises. In this regard, the degree and regularity of leakage vary depending on the kind of incontinence.

However, the common symptoms of urinary incontinence are:

• Urinating more than eight times a day.
• The urge to use the toilet frequently, only to pee a little.
• Bed-wetting, also known as enuresis.
• Experiencing the need to urinate more than twice during the night (nocturia).

How Can I Stop Urinary Incontinence Fast?

Lifestyle adjustments are the most effective way to manage urinary incontinence. Here are a few lifestyle changes to consider:

• Follow an exercise routine and stay physically active to help prevent incontinence.
• To decrease the strain on the bladder, it is essential to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Train the bladder by scheduling washroom timing. Gradually increase the time between the washroom trips to stretch the bladder muscle to hold more urine.
• Avoid smoking and constipation, as they increase stress on the bladder.
• Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by practising Kegel exercises. They aim to strengthen the pelvic muscles by making them contract and expand repeatedly. Research has revealed that women who undergo pelvic floor muscle training experience fewer leaks per day than women who don’t receive any training.

Can Urinary Incontinence be Cured?

Urinary incontinence can be either a temporary or a persistent issue. It can go away on its own without any treatment if you address the underlying cause, like a urinary tract infection (UTI), certain medications, or constipation.

However, it can also have long-term complications if you have chronic disorders like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. In such instances, consult the doctor on how to manage this condition so it doesn’t affect your quality of life.

Many people feel embarrassed about urinary incontinence, which can cause self-consciousness. It can affect the quality of life, as it prevents you from performing everyday tasks effectively. Consulting a medical professional will help identify the underlying causes and devise an effective treatment plan to ease the symptoms.