Types of Incontinence

Stress incontinence – or exercise incontinence - is the most common form of incontinence, affecting about 1 out of 5 women over the age of 40. Stress incontinence generally occurs with physical exertion such as running, jumping and coughing, which is why stress incontinence is also called exercise incontinence.

Pregnancy is a fantastic time for most women, but many expecting mothers also experience the less charming aspects: fatigue, upset stomach and lower back pain. In addition, women regularly suffer from incontinence during and after pregnancy.

Urge incontinence is a type of incontinence in which a sudden urge to urinate arises which cannot be suppressed. Irritation of the bladder, old age and psychological factors may play a role in the development of urge incontinence.

In overflow or drip incontinence the bladder is almost literally ‘overflowing’. Because people with overflow incontinence are not able to empty the bladder entirely, the bladder becomes overfilled, eventually resulting in drips of overflow urine.

Functional incontinence is a form of involuntary urine loss in which the bladder works normally, but physical, psychological or environmental limitations means a person is unable to reach the toilet in time.

Reflex incontinence or neurogenic bladder is the collective term for incontinence caused by neurological conditions. A variety of neurological disorders and diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), a paraplegia and spina bifida, can cause problems with bladder control.

Healthy adults empty their bladder 6-10 times a day. When you start needing to go more frequently, it could be a sign of an overactive or sensitive bladder.

Incontinence is generally associated with loss of bladder control, but incontinence can also mean leakage of stools. While fecal incontinence is more common in the elderly, adults and children can also be affected.