Dribble & Incontinence

The symptoms of urinary incontinence vary with the type of incontinence an individual experiences. Stress incontinence is characterized by bladder leaks when a person coughs or laughs. If a person dribbles urine, then she might have overflow incontinence.

Incontinence

• Incontinence occurs when a person is unable to control his bladder and experiences urine leaks. It is more common in adult women than in adult men, but can affect adults of both genders at all ages. If a person experiences bladder leaks that can be described as dribbles of urine, then his incontinence could be classified as overflow incontinence, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms

• Overflow incontinence is characterized by bladder distension. This leads to symptoms such as frequent or constant dribbles of urine as it overflows out of the bladder and spills down the urethra, according to the American Family Physician. Overflow incontinence can also involve a weak stream while urinating and strong, urgent needs to urinate that occur without warning.

Causes

• The bladder distension that can lead to overflow incontinence is caused by either a weak bladder muscle or something obstructing the outlet from the bladder to the urethra. These conditions can be triggered by spinal injuries or multiple sclerosis. Some men with enlarged prostates experience problems with dribbling urine because the prostrate compresses the urethra, making normal urine flow difficult, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.

Treatment

• Overflow incontinence is treated by addressing the underlying issues leading to the dribbling of urine. This can mean a woman doing Kegel exercises to strengthen her bladder muscles or a man receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. Surgery is available to remove urinary stones or tumors blocking the urethra. Resolving the underlying health issue should stop the incontinence.

Considerations

• While awaiting treatment for urinary incontinence, a person can manage the dribbling urine. She can use absorbent pads to catch any urine that spills out of her bladder. A practice called timed voiding involves urinating on a frequent schedule so the bladder cannot overflow. Avoiding certain drinks such as coffee or tea can also help.