The three most common forms are
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Mixed incontinence
Stress incontinence
With stress incontinence, urine is passed without feeling the urge to urinate. The cause is a weakness of the bladder closure caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. If pressure is then exerted on the bladder, e.g. by coughing, sneezing, lifting or laughing, the result is dribbling or gushing urine because the pelvic floor cannot withstand the pressure. Stress incontinence often occurs after childbirth, during the menopause or after abdominal surgery.
Stress incontinence is one of the most common forms of urinary incontinence. It mainly affects women and is less common in men.
Urge incontinence
With urge incontinence, the urge to urinate occurs suddenly, very strongly and constantly, even though the bladder is not completely full. The urge to urinate, which cannot be suppressed, can lead to uncontrolled urine leakage. This can vary from dribbling to emptying the entire bladder. The reason for urge incontinence is an overactive bladder muscle. The causes vary greatly, ranging from bladder inflammation to neurological disease. However, it is not always possible to find a reason for the overactive bladder.
Urge incontinence is the most common form of urinary incontinence in men of all ages. In women, it only occurs more frequently in old age.
Mixed incontinence
In mixed incontinence, the symptoms of stress and urge incontinence occur together. Those affected lose urine and may or may not have a strong urge to urinate. The different symptoms make diagnosis and treatment more difficult.
In general, the more severe form is preferred. If the symptoms are equally severe, treatment focuses primarily on the urge incontinence.
Mixed incontinence often occurs in later years when another form of incontinence is added to an existing form.
Incontinence is often perceived as a burden by most of those affected. It is very important to act early and consult a doctor. Doctors will take away the fear and shame of those affected, as there are many tried and tested treatment methods for every form of incontinence. In most cases, incontinence can be treated successfully.
You can find more information at Insenio.de.