What are Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a common and often distressing condition characterized by the unintentional loss of urine. It can range in severity from occasional leakage to complete loss of bladder control. Urinary incontinence can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults, particularly women. It can significantly impact daily activities, social interactions, and emotional well-being.

Common Types of Urinary Incontinence​

Stress Incontinence

Leakage of urine that occurs during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It is often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles or tissues supporting the bladder and urethra.

Urge Incontinence

Sudden, intense urges to urinate followed by involuntary leakage of urine. It is typically caused by overactive bladder muscles or nerve dysfunction and may be triggered by certain stimuli such as running water or reaching the restroom.

Overflow Incontinence

Inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to frequent or constant dribbling of urine. It is often caused by bladder outlet obstruction, weak bladder muscles, or nerve damage.

Functional Incontinence

Leakage of urine due to physical or cognitive impairments that prevent timely access to restroom facilities, such as mobility issues, dementia, or disabilities.

Mixed Incontinence

Combination of two or more types of urinary incontinence, such as stress and urge incontinence occurring together.

Fever and Chills

Fever and chills may indicate an infection associated with kidney stones.

Whom to Consult?​ and When to Seek Help for Urinary Incontinence?

If you experience urinary incontinence or have concerns about bladder control, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate management at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai.
Dr. S. Krishna Kumar

Dr. S. Krishna Kumar

MBBS, MD, DM

Senior Consultant

Dr. Tanuj Moses Lamech

Dr. Tanuj Moses Lamech

MBBS, MD, DM, DNB

Visiting Consultant

Dr. Mathew Gerry George

Dr. Mathew Gerry George

MBBS, MD, DNB

Visiting Consultant

Dr. Jayaprakash. V

Dr. Jayaprakash. V

MBBS, MD, DM, DNB

Visiting Consultant

Schedule an appointment with Nephro Sciences Today

Seek medical help immediately if you experience

Common FAQs About Urinary Incontinence

Q: What causes urinary incontinence?

A: Urinary incontinence can have various causes, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, hormonal changes, bladder or prostate conditions, medications, urinary tract infections, constipation, obesity, neurological disorders, or certain lifestyle factors.

Q: How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

A: Diagnosis of urinary incontinence typically involves a medical history, physical examination, urinalysis, bladder diary (record of fluid intake, urination frequency, and leakage episodes), urine flow studies, ultrasound, cystoscopy (examination of the bladder with a thin tube), and sometimes urodynamic testing to assess bladder function and urine flow.

Q: What treatments are available for urinary incontinence?

A: Treatment options for urinary incontinence may include lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes, bladder training, pelvic floor exercises), medications (such as anticholinergics, beta-agonists, or topical estrogen therapy), medical devices (such as vaginal pessaries or urethral inserts), minimally invasive procedures (such as botox injections or nerve stimulation), or surgery (such as sling procedures or artificial urinary sphincter implantation) for more severe cases.

Q: Can urinary incontinence be prevented?

A: While not all cases of urinary incontinence can be prevented, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing pelvic floor exercises, staying hydrated, avoiding bladder irritants (such as caffeine or alcohol), and seeking prompt medical evaluation and treatment for urinary symptoms can help reduce the risk of developing urinary incontinence.