Stress incontinence - Other types of incontinence

Stress incontinence

Other types of incontinence

Urge incontinence

This is when you have a sudden and strong urge to pass urine. The urine comes out in a rush that you can't control. This can happen at any time. It happens when your bladder tightens (contracts) for no reason. It's sometimes called an "overactive" or "spastic" bladder.

Difficulty reaching the bathroom

There are lots of things that can make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time. For example, if you're in a wheelchair, you may not be able to get there in time. Or someone with

Alzheimer's disease
People who have Alzheimer's disease slowly lose their memory and ability to think clearly. As the disease gets worse, they get more confused and start acting differently. Several changes happen in the brain that stop it working properly. Small lumps called amyloid plaques grow in the parts of the brain used for memory and thinking. And bundles of twisted threads called 'neurofibrillary tangles' form inside brain cells. These stop brain cells communicating with each other, and they can cause cells to die. Also, in Alzheimer's disease, the brain does not have enough chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), and holes or gaps appear where brain cells have died.

Alzheimer's disease may not be able to think clearly enough to get to a bathroom in time. These types of problems often happen in older adults who live in nursing homes.

Incontinence caused by an infection

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

infection in the tube that carries urine out of your bladder (your urethra) can sometimes cause incontinence. The incontinence should pass when your infection clears up. These kinds of infections are most common in children, especially girls, and need to be treated.

Incontinence caused by medications

You may get incontinence because you're taking medication. This should pass when you stop taking the drug. If your medication is causing problems, see your doctor. He or she may be able to give you a different drug.

Source:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Urinary incontinence in women.
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. July 1997: NIH Publication No. 97-4

Having more than one kind of incontinence

You may get more than one type of incontinence. The most common combination is stress incontinence and urge incontinence. This combination is called mixed incontinence.

Source:
Abrams P, Cardozo L, Fall M, et al.
The standardisation of terminology of lower urinary tract function: report from the Standardisation Sub-committee of the International Continence Society.
Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2002; 21: 167-178.

² It's important to get both types diagnosed, as they may need different treatments.

Sources for the information on this page:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Urinary incontinence in women.National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. July 1997: NIH Publication No. 97-4

Abrams P, Cardozo L, Fall M, et al.The standardisation of terminology of lower urinary tract function: report from the Standardisation Sub-committee of the International Continence Society.Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2002; 21: 167-178.

This information was last updated on Nov 18, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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