Urinary Incontinence: Causes And Treatment
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
Receive custom tools to help you manage your condition and get the latest in bladder and bowel health from NAFC!
Urinary Incontinence Overview
Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine. Over 33 million Americans suffer from some type of urinary incontinence or bladder condition, a problem that often causes embarrassment for many. And while it is a very common problem, it should not be considered a “normal” one.
Many people do not realize that there are many different types of urinary incontinence or reasons that may cause you to leak urine. Some of the more common conditions are overactive bladder (OAB), urinary retention, mixed incontinence, and stress urinary incontinence. Watch the short video below, then read more about the different types of bladder leakage issues and click through to learn about symptoms, causes and treatment options.
Overactive Bladder & Urge Incontinence
When you feel the need to go and go right NOW, you may be dealing with an Overactive Bladder. If you cannot control the urge and bladder leakage occurs, that is what makes it urge incontinence. The good news is, in many cases this is a treatable condition and not merely something you have to deal with because of age.
Urinary Retention
In mild cases, urinary retention makes it difficult to start urination and the flow is weak. Once finished you often feel the need to go again because the bladder isn’t fully emptied. In more acute cases, the lower belly becomes distended causing great discomfort and pain. Despite the urge to go, urination is not possible.
Mixed Incontinence
As the name suggests, Mixed Incontinence is a combination of stress incontinence, including muscle and sphincter related issues, and urgency incontinence like those mentioned above. Usually one symptom is more severe than the other and that directly affects what methods will be most effective in treatment.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
A problem that affects both men and women, Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs because of weak pelvic floor muscles and/or a deficient urethral sphincter. This weakness can cause the bladder to leak during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or any body movement that puts pressure on the bladder. Stress urinary incontinence often shows up after childbirth and menopause in women while prostate cancer treatment, such as radical prostatectomy, can trigger it in men.
Importantly, stress urinary incontinence can affect men and women differently. To learn more, visit these links:
RELATED ARTICLES
You DON’T have to leak after prostate cancer treatment
In this episode, Dr. Eric Rovner addresses a common fear that men have about prostate cancer treatment: incontinence. Drawing on his clinical experience, Dr. Rovner explains that treatment does not automatically mean a lifetime of bladder leakage. In fact, only a small percentage of patients experience long-lasting symptoms. He discusses why temporary changes in bladder control can occur, what factors influence recovery and – most importantly – what men can do before and after treatment to reduce their risk and regain control. Our conversation offers clarity, reassurance and actionable guidance for men navigating prostate cancer care.
Managing Incontinence After Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer
With all there is to think about when getting treated for prostate cancer, the idea of incontinence might not be high on your list. But if you’re undergoing radiation or surgery, there’s a good chance it will be. Incontinence is remarkably common for men following these treatments, but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and return to more normal function. Today’s guest is a patient who’s gone through it all firsthand, and he’s here to share what he’s learned to help make your own care journey a little easier.
Enjoying the Holidays With Confidence: How to Manage Incontinence During the Festive Season
The holidays are meant to feel magical, full of cozy gatherings, good food, sparkling lights, and time with the people who matter most. But if you live with incontinence, this season can sometimes bring a mix of excitement and worry. Longer days out, richer meals, cold weather, and busy schedules can make symptoms feel a little less predictable.
You DON’T have to leak after prostate cancer treatment
In this episode, Dr. Eric Rovner addresses a common fear that men have about prostate cancer treatment: incontinence. Drawing on his clinical experience, Dr. Rovner explains that treatment does not automatically mean a lifetime of bladder leakage. In fact, only a small percentage of patients experience long-lasting symptoms. He discusses why temporary changes in bladder control can occur, what factors influence recovery and – most importantly – what men can do before and after treatment to reduce their risk and regain control. Our conversation offers clarity, reassurance and actionable guidance for men navigating prostate cancer care.