URINARY LEAKAGE
Urinary leakage, also known as urinary incontinence, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when there is an unintentional loss of urine, and it can range from occasional light leakage to a complete loss of bladder control. If urinary incontinence affects your daily activities, don't hesitate to see a doctor. For most people, simple lifestyle and dietary changes or medical care can treat symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Symptoms
Many people experience occasional, minor leaks of urine. Others may lose small to moderate amounts of urine more frequently.​
Types of urinary incontinence:
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Stress incontinence: Urine leaks when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting something heavy.
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Urge incontinence: You have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night. Urge incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more severe condition such as a neurological disorder or diabetes.
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Overflow incontinence: You experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn't empty completely.
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Functional incontinence: A physical or mental impairment keeps you from making it to the toilet in time. For example, if you have severe arthritis, you may not be able to unbutton your pants quickly enough.
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Mixed incontinence: You experience more than one type of urinary incontinence — most often this refers to a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
When to see a Doctor
You may feel uncomfortable discussing incontinence with your doctor. But if incontinence is frequent or is affecting your quality of life, it's important to seek medical advice because urinary incontinence may:
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Cause you to restrict your activities and limit your social interactions
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Negatively impact your quality of life
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Increase the risk of falls in older adults as they rush to the toilet
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Indicate a more serious underlying condition
It's important to determine the type of urinary incontinence that you have, and your symptoms often tell your doctor which type you have. That information will guide treatment decisions.
Your doctor is likely to start with a thorough history and physical exam. You may then be asked to do a simple maneuver that can demonstrate incontinence, such as coughing.