There are two basic types of urinary incontinence issues that begin to occur in women in their 30s and older- stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a result of a weak urethral sphincter. This usually occurs after childbirth, menopause or hysterectomy. Urine will leak out during "stress" manuevers such as exercise, laughing, coughing sneezing, and sex. It can be minor or severe.
Urge Urinary incontinence (UUI) is a form of Overactive Bladder (OAB). OAB is the abnormal and uncontrollable urge to go to the bathroom, with or without frequency, with or without urinary leakage. This can occur for a wide variety of reasons, most benign, but all annoying: here are a few examples of what can cause OAB or UUI:
infection
interstitial cystitis
urgency/frequency syndrome
food or drink sensitivity
injury
stones
polyps
hysterectomy
menopause
habit
SUI and UUI/OAB can and often coexist. Each can be diagnosed and treated usually in a straightforward way.
Dr. Matthew Karlovsky is a urologist that specializes in female pelvic health in Phoenix, Ariz. For more information, visit www.urodoc.net or www.femaleurologyaz.blogspot.com/
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment2 Comments
It is serious when it causes a loss of a woman's quality of life.
March 19, 2009 - 3:19pmThis Comment
My mother has a serious incontinence problem. It is a serious issue with women.
http://www.ionmeds.com/
March 19, 2009 - 2:35pmThis Comment