Many individuals are affected by urinary incontinence. It negatively affects bladder control and results in involuntary urine leakage that can lower one’s quality of life. That being said, there is more than one type of urinary incontinence. The three primary types change symptoms and can change the treatment method. So let’s explore the three primary types together so you can better understand urinary incontinence as a whole.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress
Stress-related urinary incontinence is when urine leaks from pressure on the bladder from some external force. While a person with stress-related urinary incontinence will likely not uncontrollably urinate, certain activities will result in urination. This could be coughing, sneezing, picking something heavy up, squatting, laughing hard, and exercising. This is due to weakened pelvic muscles that aren’t able to withstand the pressure of certain forces. This kind of urinary incontinence is more common in women post-childbirth.
Urge
Urge urinary incontinence is the most common one of the three kinds. Urge incontinence is when a patient experiences uncontrollable urination whenever their body receives the urge to urinate. An overactive muscle wall inside the bladder causes this. A simple short-term measure that can be taken to mitigate this is frequently using the restroom. This is to avoid the bladder filling up too much and risking the overactive muscle wall from causing undesired urination.
Overflow
Overflow incontinence is a condition in which a person feels the need to urinate, but they can only release a small amount of urine due to either a weak bladder muscle or blockage. The bladder does not empty completely, causing it to become too full and eventually leading to involuntary leakage of urine, even when there is no urge to urinate. Treatment of this type of urinary incontinence is dependent on the cause. Blockages would be removed, and catheters could assist a weak bladder muscle.
Seeking Help
Urinary incontinence may not be dangerous, but it can still adversely affect someone’s life. Our team Greater Hartford Urology Group in Hartford and Enfield, CT, understands that ridding yourself of embarrassment and returning to your normal life is a priority. That’s why you can trust our over 40 years of practice experience to get your life back on track. So if you’re struggling with urinary incontinence and need that guiding hand, contact us at 860-522-2251 today.