Four Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence and How to Treat it

Urinary incontinence occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor weaken. This happens as we age and can also become an issue after childbirth. Incontinence is a common condition, even if we often find it embarrassing to discuss. That’s why board-certified physician Dr. Vimal Patel at Mashpee Family Medicine in Mashpee, MA uses his extensive experience and education to help patients manage their concerns about a loss of bladder control.

If you’re concerned about bladder control leaking urine, it’s helpful to understand its causes and treatments so you feel more comfortable talking to your doctor.

Below, we’ll look at types of urinary incontinence and their treatments so those who suffer from bladder control issues can get back to a virtually carefree and comfortable life.

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. It has many causes and does not necessarily indicate an underlying medical condition. However, if it happens suddenly and is not explained by the causes below, or if it occurs more frequently over time, it’s important to mention it to your doctor.

Urinary incontinence can also feel like a sudden urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary leaking of urine, usually in small amounts.

What are the four types of urinary incontinence?

As the pelvic floor muscles become weaker, bladder leakage is normal. However, there are other causes of a loss of bladder control and urine leakage, so it’s helpful to understand the four different types of urinary incontinence:

1. Stress incontinence: Stress incontinence can happen to anyone, but it is more common in those with weak pelvic floor muscles. They may not feel a urinary urge, but actions such as laughing, sneezing, or coughing may result in leaking urine. This type of incontinence can also happen during physical activity, such as running, walking, lifting, bending over, or dancing. Weak pelvic floor muscles typically contribute to stress incontinence.

2. Urgency incontinence: We’ve all experienced intense urinary urges, but it happens without much warning in some people. Also called an “overactive bladder,” urgency incontinence tends to be related to issues in the nerves and the muscles of the bladder. It feels like a strong urge to urinate, but many sufferers can’t get to the toilet in time and experience bladder leakage.

3. Overflow incontinence: Overflow incontinence occurs when our bladders don’t completely empty during our trips to the bathroom. Then, as the bladder fills up again, a person may experience leakage of that excess urine between trips to the bathroom. Overflow incontinence can also be a result of weak bladder muscles but also a sign of an obstruction in the urethra.

4. Mixed incontinence

Mixed incontinence is when a person experiences two or more types of incontinence. For example, a pregnant woman may experience stress incontinence and an overactive bladder if her pelvic floor muscles have weakened during pregnancy.

How do we treat urinary incontinence?

At Mashpee Family Medicine, Dr. Patel will discuss the types of urinary incontinence with you. If treatment is recommended, he will use state-of-the-art EMSELLA® technology to help relieve your bladder issues.

The EMSELLA device is suitable for both men and women. This noninvasive treatment helps stimulate the pelvic floor muscles to make them stronger and prevent urine leakage. Patients often experience almost immediate improvement, though final results can take a few weeks.

Treating urinary incontinence with a doctor in Mashpee, MA

It's essential to consult with a compassionate and understanding board-certified physician, such as Dr. Vimal Patel at Mashpee Family Medicine, when you have bladder control and leakage issues.

Dr. Patel and his staff will help put patients in the Mashpee, MA area at ease so that discussions about issues such as urinary incontinence are easier and lead to resolution and relief. Get started by scheduling a private consultation.