Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It has been estimated that over 15 million Americans suffer or have suffered from the unwanted loss of urine. It is a myth that only women are affected, as both men and women can have urinary incontinence. It is also a myth that incontinence is just a part of the normal aging process. This just simply is not true. In fact, many women experience urinary incontinence as a complication after childbirth while men with prostate problems are often affected by urinary incontinence. Many treatment techniques are available, including conservative treatments such as pelvic floor muscle exercises, dietary management and behavioral management techniques. Listed below are the most common types of Urinary Incontinence.

Urinary Stress Incontinence

USI is the involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion or with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, bending or in extreme cases just standing up. Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, trauma from vaginal deliveries or surgeries and years of repetitive straining or coughing may all be contributing factors.

Urinary Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence is the loss of urine associated with a sudden or abrupt urge to void. People with urge incontinence also often have increased urgency causing them to feel like they have to urinate more frequently than normal throughout the day. (Normal daytime voiding is every 3 to 4 hours.)

Mixed Urinary Incontinence

Mixed urinary incontinence includes symptoms of both Stress UI and Urge Urinary Incontinence.