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Stress, Urge, Mixed, ISD

Types of Incontinence

Do you leak when you laugh or cough? Feel like you constantly need to go? Wake up frequently at night to use the bathroom? These are all signs of urinary incontinence, or bladder leakage. There are several types of incontinence, often caused by factors that include multiple childbirths, aging, physical activity, pelvic organ prolapse, and more.

Our team will discuss your symptoms and conduct a thorough physical exam. We may also recommend a urodynamic evaluation to assess your bladder function and identify the specific type of incontinence you have.

Together, we’ll create a personalized care plan that could include behavioral strategies, non-surgical treatments, or surgery to help you regain control and return to the activities you love.

Stress Incontinence

This is a loss of urine even though you try to “hold” it in. This may be due to weak pelvic floor muscles, or to increased pressure inside your abdomen (intra-abdominal) that is greater than your bladder’s strength. Sneezing, coughing and physical activity might result in urine loss.

Intrinsic Sphincteric Deficiency (ISD)

This is urine loss as a result of weak urethra sphincter muscles and is considered a type of stress incontinence.

Urge Incontinence

This is loss of urine for no apparent reason while feeling the “urge” or need to go to the bathroom. Urge incontinence is the feeling that you need to use the bathroom right away. Others lack any sensation or warning of needing to use the bathroom. You may experience certain triggers, such as entering your garage or seeing a bathroom.

Mixed Incontinence

This is urine loss as a result of both stress and urge incontinence.