Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control, is a common problem in women, ranging in severity from slightly bothersome to totally debilitating. Your physician can help to evaluate what type/types of urinary incontinence account for your symptoms so that the condition can be treated or improved. Treatments can range from exercises/training to medications, to surgical procedures.
Common types of incontinence:
- Stress incontinence occurs when sneezing or coughing movements put pressure on the bladder and cause leakage. This can be caused commonly by the physical changes from pregnancy, childbirth and menopause or hormonal changes.
- Urge incontinence occurs suddenly after feeling the need to void, and is thought to be caused by bladder spasms.
- Mixed incontinence refers to a combination of causes for incontinence. Many women have both stress and urge incontinence.
Speak with your physician about evaluation and treatment of any problems you may have with urinary incontinence.