Incontinence

Mar 18, 2025

Incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine (urinary incontinence) or feces (bowel incontinence), a common problem that can significantly impact quality of life. 

 

Urinary Incontinence:

• Definition:

  Urinary incontinence is the accidental loss of urine. 

   
• Types:

  • Stress incontinence: Leakage during physical activity or when the bladder is under pressure (coughing, sneezing, laughing). 
     
  • Urge incontinence: A strong, sudden urge to urinate that you can't control, leading to leakage. 
     
  • Overflow incontinence: Leakage due to the bladder not emptying completely, leading to frequent leaking. 
     
  • Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence 
     
• Causes:

  Weak bladder muscles, overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, and certain medical conditions. 

   
• Treatment:

  Can include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and in some cases, surgery. 

   

Bowel Incontinence:

• Definition: Bowel incontinence, also called fecal incontinence, is the unintentional leakage of stool.
• Causes: Muscle damage or weakness, nerve damage, diarrhea, constipation, and certain medical conditions.
• Treatment: Can include dietary changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.