The two most common types of urinary incontinence are stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Let’s discuss each in more detail and what makes them different from one another.
What is Stress Incontinence?
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is caused by leakage of urine during physical activities. Once an increase in abdominal pressure occurs within the bladder, it quickly fills with liquid, causing stress on the bladder which leads to leakage.
Some activities that cause SUI include:
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Sneezing
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Coughing
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Laughing
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Lifting heavy items
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Physical activities such as walking, jogging, and running
Some people with stress urinary incontinence occasionally leak when they have allergies or if their bladder is near capacity. Sometimes, people experience issues with SUI when they stand up from a chair or walk a short distance. Symptoms of stress incontinence can often lead women to stop or cease social activities.
What is Urge Incontinence?
Urge incontinence or overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by the quick, sudden urge to urinate. Having an overactive bladder means that the bladder no longer holds urine normally. This can make it difficult to reach the restroom in time. OAB occurs when the bladder muscles send information to the brain notifying that it’s full even when it’s not. These signals make the bladder contract which causes leakage. Symptoms of urge incontinence include:
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Leaking at unwelcome times
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Severe urgency to urinate
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More than 8 voids in 24 hours
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Experiencing a “gotta-go-now” sensation
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Urinating more than twice during the night
Contact MetroPartners OBGYN
If you’re experiencing symptoms of stress or urge incontinence, give MetroPartners OBGYN a call and schedule an appointment.