Types of urinary incontinence
There are various types of incontinence that lead to urinary leaks, each with unique challenges.
How does the bladder work?
Before we jump into how a bladder can begin to leak, let’s discover how it functions properly.
Urinary function starts with the brain and spinal cord, which work together to direct the urinary system.
The bladder fills from the kidneys. When your bladder becomes full, it sends a signal to your brain, which in turn sends a message to the bladder to release urine into the urethra. The urethral sphincter muscle, which surrounds the urethra, opens and closes the bladder neck – it will contract to temporarily hold urine, or relax to allow urine to leave your body through the urethra.
3 types of urine leakage
Women often show symptoms or more than one type of urine leakage, so it is important to seek a specialist to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and find the treatment that is right for you.
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence, also known as SUI, is involuntary loss of urine when stress or pressure is placed on the bladder with activities such as running, sneezing, coughing, laughing, exercise or other physical activity, sex, or heavy lifting. Urine can leak without the urge to go to the bathroom. SUI does not have a connection to emotional stress.1
Learn more about the causes and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.
Overactive bladder / Urge urinary incontinence
Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is involuntary leakage that occurs when there is a strong, urgent need to urinate even when the bladder isn’t full.
OAB or overactive bladder is the urge to urinate whether or not you leak.
Mixed urinary incontinence
Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
Patient spotlight
“I am interested in sharing this journey… this is something that can get fixed and I don’t have to live with it for 20 years… stress incontinence is not okay…”
– Jordan, special education teacher and mother of four
Are you experiencing similar symptoms? Not sure if you have SUI?
To help you better understand your symptoms and take the first step toward relief, we invite you to fill out this quick, free, and confidential self-assessment.
Help is on the way.
