Types of Urinary Incontinence
Types of Urinary Incontinence | Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine by a person. This condition, which can be caused by different factors, is usually caused by a problem in the lower urinary tract. Although urinary incontinence is more common among women, it can also be seen in men. Depending on the type, urinary incontinence may require different symptoms and treatment options. Here are the commonly known types of urinary incontinence:
Stress Incontinence: Types of Urinary Incontinence | Stress incontinence occurs when intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This condition can be caused by weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles due to factors such as childbirth, obesity, or menopause can lead to stress incontinence. Surgical approaches are often effective in the treatment of this type of urinary incontinence.
Urge Incontinence (Overactive bladder): Types of Urinary Incontinence | Urge type urinary incontinence is the sudden incontinence of urine that occurs when the bladder is full or empty, before reaching the toilet. Hearing the sound of water, in particular, can trigger exposure to cold. This condition can be caused by abnormal involuntary contraction of the bladder muscles. Sometimes there can be leakage of urine in drops or sometimes in large amounts at once. The person urinates frequently as if they have a constant urge to urinate. Drug treatment is initially effective in this patient group.
Overflow Type Urinary Incontinence: Types of Urinary Incontinence | Overflow type urinary incontinence is characterized by involuntary leakage of urine as a result of the bladder being overfilled. This condition usually occurs when urine accumulates beyond the capacity of the bladder. Overflow type urinary incontinence is usually caused by an obstruction or blockage in the lower urinary tract, for example, a mass pressing on the urethra, in cases where the bladder cannot be felt as full due to a neurological problem such as diabetes, or in cases such as narrowing of the urinary tract.
Mixed Type Urinary Incontinence: Types of Urinary Incontinence | Mixed incontinence is a term used when more than one type of incontinence is present. For example, stress and urge incontinence may be present together, which may be called mixed incontinence.
When considering the types of incontinence, symptoms, and causes, there may be different treatment options and management strategies for each type. Therefore, it is important for individuals experiencing incontinence to have their condition evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Causes and Risk Factors of Involuntary Urinary Incontinence
Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness: Types of Incontinence | The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and help control urination. These muscles can weaken due to factors such as childbirth, obesity, aging, or repeated heavy lifting. Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles can increase the risk of urinary incontinence.
Childbirth and Pregnancy: Types of Incontinence | Pregnancy and childbirth can affect the pelvic floor muscles and urinary tract. After vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, damage to the pelvic floor muscles and nerves can occur. This can be a cause of involuntary urinary incontinence.
Neurological Problems: Types of Incontinence | Neurological problems related to the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system can affect bladder control. These include stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and nerve damage. These conditions can be the underlying causes of involuntary urinary incontinence.
Chronic Cough: Types of Incontinence | Chronic coughing can increase intra-abdominal pressure, weakening the pelvic floor muscles and increasing the risk of involuntary urinary incontinence. Conditions such as chronic bronchitis, asthma or smoking can cause chronic coughing.
Risk Factors:
Gender: In women, changes in pelvic structures related to pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk of involuntary urinary incontinence. However, in men, conditions such as prostate problems can increase the risk of involuntary urinary incontinence with age.
Age: Aging can cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken and urinary control to decrease. This can increase the risk of involuntary urinary incontinence.
Menopause: The decrease in estrogen during menopause can trigger urinary incontinence problems.
Obesity: Obesity can cause the pelvic floor muscles and bladder to become compressed. This can increase the risk of involuntary urinary incontinence.
Smoking: Smoking can cause chronic coughing and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. This can increase the risk of involuntary urinary incontinence.
Genetic Factors: Genetic factors may play a role in individuals with a family history of urinary incontinence. The likelihood of this condition may be higher in individuals with a family history of urinary incontinence.
How is Urinary Incontinence Understood and Diagnosed?
Urinary incontinence usually presents with distinct symptoms. Symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate, a feeling of incontinence, and sudden and involuntary urinary incontinence may suggest the presence of urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence can cause physical discomfort and a sense of shame. The person may avoid participating in social activities outside or have difficulties in personal relationships. In addition, since it is often observed in older ages, women in this age group may also see this condition as a natural part of aging and may skip mentioning these complaints during the doctor’s check-up.
It is very important to question urinary incontinence and evaluate the pelvic floor during the examination in women with a history of difficult vaginal delivery, vaginal/pelvic surgery, menopause, family history, smoking history, obesity and existing chronic diseases (diabetes, neurological diseases).
Urinary incontinence is not life-threatening for the person, but it can negatively affect the quality of daily life. The person may have difficulty continuing their normal activities or may have to make changes in their daily routine. Many women restrict their fluid intake in order not to experience urinary incontinence and may experience problems such as frequent urination problems as a result.
When a healthcare professional is seen with a complaint of urinary incontinence, the doctor first takes a detailed medical history and performs a physical examination. During this examination, information is obtained about the degree and type of urinary incontinence. Diagnosis can often be made with a simple vaginal examination.
The doctor tries to detect a urinary tract infection or other urinary-related health problems by performing a urine test. Urine tests can help determine the underlying cause of urinary incontinence.
In some cases, the doctor may perform special tests such as urodynamic tests. These tests help evaluate how urine is expelled from the bladder and the functionality of the bladder. These tests play an important role in determining the type of urinary incontinence and planning the appropriate treatment.
Imaging tests may sometimes be necessary to determine the underlying cause of urinary incontinence. Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) may be used.
In urinary incontinence problems, it is very important to consult Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra ÖZBAŞLI, who is an expert in urogynecology and pelvic floor. The specialist will make a detailed assessment, help to make the correct diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
