|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Types of Incontinence

Incontinence is the term used to describe the loss of bladder (urinary incontinence) or bowel (fecal incontinence) control. The common types of urinary incontinence include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional or environmental incontinence.

  1. Stress Incontinence

    • Stress incontinence occurs when pressure within the abdomen is increased. The pressure increase can be because of sneezing, lifting heavy objects or even pressure from the fetus during pregnancy. A weakening of the muscles from aging or illness can also cause leakage.

    Urge Incontinence

    • Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is a frequent onset of a sudden need to urinate. A common complaint of the elderly, urge incontinence can also be a symptom of an infection or the result an injury or recent surgery.

    Overflow Incontinence

    • Overflow incontinence occurs because of a full bladder or the inability to empty the bladder completely. This can occur when stones or an enlarged prostate gland blocks the urethra.

    Functional or Environmental Incontinence

    • Functional or environmental incontinence occurs because the person was not able to get to the bathroom in time. Alzheimer's disease may affect a person's estimation of the need to visit the bathroom or arthritis or injury may delay a person from getting to the bathroom.

    Fecal Incontinence

    • Prolonged constipation or diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis can weaken the muscles or damage the nerves used to detect and control defecation. Diarrhea often results in bowel incontinence, as loose stool is more difficult to control.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles