What is Incontinence?

There are 4 main categories of incontinence:

1.) Stress Incontinence
Leakage of small amounts of urine resulting from sudden reflexes, such as coughing and sneezing, or from strenuous physical activity, such as lifting something heavy or exercise.

2.) Urge Incontinence
Leakage of larger amounts of urine during unexpected times. This can be during sleep or at times when a person simply hears or touches running water. This is generally attributed to overactive bladders.

3.) Overflow Incontinence
Leakage generally occurs due to a physical ailment, such as prostate cancer or other obstruction of the bladder outlet. The individual will be unable to fully empty their bladder and a trickling of urine can occur.

4.) Functional Incontinence
This type of incontinence is many times associated with a physical disability and is most commonly found among the elderly. It can be caused by one or more factors, such as functional impairment or structural damage to certain muscles and/or nerves. Functional incontinence in older adults can be caused by Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Diabetes, Stroke, and many other ailments.

It is possible to show symptoms of stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow inconitnence at the same time. This is generally called "mixed incontinence" and is especially common among older women.

As we grow older, there are numerous influences that affect our health, which in turn affect our ability to control essential muscles needed for bladder and bowel function. It is estimated that there are more than 25 million people in the United States who experience urinary incontinence.

What are some of the causes and treatments for incontinence?

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