Types of Incontinence

If you are often experiencing loss of bladder of bowel control, it may mean you have incontinence. It is important to know which types of incontinence you have to be able to manage this condition well.

There are two main types:

• Incontinence of the bladder or “urinary incontinence” (UI) that results to leakage of urine
• Incontinence of the bowel also known as “accidental bowel leakage” (ABL)

Urinary Incontinence is classified into two types:

• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) occurs when you laugh, sneeze or cough. These physical activities exert pressure on your pelvic floor, squeezing the bladder and causing urine to leak.
• Urge Incontinence occurs when you have a sudden and intense urge to urinate even if you have just emptied your bladder a short while ago.

Incontinence is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of something else. A combination of many factors may be causing it and some of the things that may contribute to it are constipation, medications, diabetes, obesity and prostate problem. For women, urinary tract infections, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic tumors, chronic or debilitating cough, and menopause are contributory to incontinence. The best way to address this condition is to consult a healthcare professional.