Urination is a complex process requiring each urinary function to cooperate. All nerves, muscles, and organs must align at precisely the right time for bladder retention or release to work properly. Complications with this process can lead to urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the inability to control urinary function, which results in urine leakage.
There are two primary types of urinary incontinence: stress and urge. The result of both is the same—the leaking of urine at the worst possible times—but how they get there is a little different. We'll discuss the differences, causes, and treatments of stress incontinence vs. urge incontinence below.
Stress Incontinence
Stress incontinence occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder, causing urine to leak with little resistance. Regarding stress incontinence vs. urge incontinence, stress is the most common type.
Some common triggers for stress incontinence are:
Standing up
Bending over
Coughing
Sneezing
Laughing
Heavy lifting
Sexual activity
Advanced triggers are:
Chronic cough
Smoking
Obesity
These situations don't always guarantee an "event," but they are more likely to trigger once the bladder is full.
The primary cause of stress incontinence is weakened muscles around the urinary system. Women often develop stress incontinence during pregnancy and following childbirth.
Treatments for stress incontinence include:
Diet and lifestyle changes
Medications
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) and pelvic floor electrical stimulaton
Pessaries
Surgery
Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence is the sudden need to expel liquids from the bladder intensely. It is often so intense that making it to the restroom is not an option. The intense feeling may strike at any time of the day, including while sleeping, and the amount of leakage is likely to soak through clothing. Not only can this be embarrassing for many people, but it can leave you feeling gross too.
An overactive bladder is the cause of urge incontinence. Almost half of those who have an overactive bladder will experience some form of urge incontinence. Treatment options for urge incontinence will vary based on the cause. Some are manageable from home using medications or with dietary and lifestyle changes.
Other treatments include:
Injections
Surgery
Postpartum Incontinence
Postpartum incontinence is typically urinary incontinence either during pregnancy or after childbirth. The most common postpartum urinary incontinence is stress incontinence. For women, incontinence is very common following delivery. In some cases, fecal incontinence can occur too.
Fecal incontinence is the leaking of stool from the anus. Its causes are a significant tear in the anus or a developed fistula from the vagina to the anus. Fecal incontinence is likely to require surgery, but it may depend on the severity.
Postpartum incontinence causes may include several factors, including genetics. Women who deliver vaginally are more prone to urinary incontinence than those who opt for a cesarean.
Contributing factors include:
Obesity
Incontinence before or during pregnancy
Prior pregnancy
Multifetal gestation (i.e. twins, triplets)
Forceps or vacuum delivery
Injury during delivery may also be a factor in the development of incontinence. Pregnancy puts strain on the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder. These muscles are weakened during pregnancy and delivery, possibly resulting in urinary incontinence.
Urinary Incontinence Prevention During Pregnancy
Women can help safeguard themselves from urinary incontinence by protecting the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy. Visiting a physical therapist specializing in Kegel exercises, discussing options with your doctor, avoiding high-impact activities that stress your abdominals, and practicing prenatal yoga are great ways to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Other treatments for postpartum urinary incontinence include:
Weight control
Light exercise and pelvic floor electrical stimulation
Medications
Nerve stimulation
Surgery
Effects of Aging on Incontinence
When it comes to stress incontinence vs. urge incontinence, aging plays a more significant factor in the latter. Younger women who are pregnant or postpartum are more likely to experience stress incontinence. Older women going through menopause are more likely to face urge incontinence.
However, age itself does not play a fundamental role in the development of incontinence. Incontinence affects people of all ages. A medical issue causes incontinence, whereas aging tends to cause medical problems.
Telltale Signs You Might Have Incontinence
You may have noticed a pattern in your urinary function that has you contemplating whether or not you have urinary incontinence. Although you may have a good idea, only a doctor can diagnose incontinence. If you think you may have this condition, seek help and advice from a healthcare provider to determine the most accurate results.
Mixed Incontinence
Knowledge of the different kinds of incontinence is key to determining the causes and treatments. Understanding the underlying causes, differences, and treatments can help lead to the defense against incontinence overall.
Women are more likely to face both stress and urge incontinence in their lives than men. They are also more likely to experience both types simultaneously, known as mixed incontinence.
In some cases, stress and urge incontinence overlap, often where one set of symptoms are more severe.
Protect Yourself Against Incontinence
Employing lifestyle changes at an early age can help in the fight against urinary incontinence.
A few changes you can make now are:
Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight through exercise
Abstaining from smoking
For older women (and men) suffering from this troublesome condition, your first solution is to speak with your doctor. They can lay out all of the treatment options at your disposal, including:
Medications
Behavioral therapy
Electrical stimulation such as Dr. Jane's ITS
Surgery (last resort)
Picking Up The Pieces
Urinary incontinence can have adverse effects on your mental health as well as your physical. Individuals with incontinence sometimes avoid friends and activities because of uncertainty and embarrassment. It could lead to isolation, depression, and reduced quality of life, including a decrease in confidence and self-esteem.
Speak to a doctor or physical therapist if incontinence interferes with your day-to-day activities. You can assist the doctor or physical therapist with a quick solution by tracking and discussing any episodes you may have experienced. These can help your doctor determine which urinary incontinence—stress, urge, or both—you may be experiencing.
With therapy and guidance, many people who experience urinary incontinence can regain bladder control before long. Why delay? Search for the best urinary incontinence treatments for you today.