Millions of Americans have urinary or bowel incontinence, which causes the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary incontinence is especially common in women due to changes in the pelvic floor from pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause, and menopause.
Despite how widespread the condition is, many people with incontinence don’t seek treatment because of stigma. However, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Various lifestyle changes and treatments can help manage leakage so you can live confidently.
At Associated Urologists of North Carolina, PA, with offices in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, our expert urology team specializes in treating incontinence.
This article covers some of the most common causes of incontinence, explains the different types, and outlines popular treatment options.
Many people assume that incontinence is a side effect of severe illness or trauma, such as a spinal cord injury or stroke, but that isn’t always the case. While serious medical events can increase the risk of incontinence, it’s often caused by regular, everyday factors, such as prostate issues, childbirth, or menopause.
Some of that confusion likely comes from how incontinence is defined. Incontinence refers to any leakage, whether it’s a few dribbles because you couldn’t make it to the toilet on time, or a more noticeable accident triggered by coughing or sneezing.
Regardless, incontinence is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a common medical condition, and help is available.
There are several types of incontinence, including:
Stress urinary incontinence occurs due to physical pressure on the bladder. It commonly affects women post-childbirth or menopause and is often triggered by laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
Urge incontinence causes you to suddenly feel the urge to urinate. It occurs when the bladder muscles suddenly contract and is commonly caused by nerve damage or neurological disorders, like multiple sclerosis.
Overflow incontinence occurs when your bladder can’t fully empty. Men are more likely to experience this type due to an enlarged prostate, but it can also be caused by medical conditions, like diabetes.
Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence. It’s most common in women and tends to affect those aged 65 or older.
Bowel incontinence causes the involuntary leakage of stool. It’s rarer than urinary incontinence and can result from factors such as nerve damage, trauma, or severe constipation.
Don’t wait to see a doctor if you experience incontinence regularly. This is especially true if your symptoms interfere with your daily life, suddenly worsen, or occur alongside other issues such as blood in your urine (hematuria) or pain.
Incontinence can worsen over time, depending on the underlying cause. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can make it much easier to manage.
Treatment for incontinence typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medications. Depending on the type of incontinence you have and the severity of your symptoms, we may recommend:
Many people benefit from a combination of treatments. However, if your incontinence persists, we may recommend surgery for more severe cases. The goal is to minimize leaks, so you can live comfortably and confidently.
Don’t let incontinence keep you from living your best life. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest, North Carolina, or schedule online.
