Urinary incontinence affects millions of women, yet many are surprised to learn that there are six distinct types. Each type has its own set of challenges, triggers, and symptoms, thus identifying the type you might be experiencing is essential. For some, it could be a sudden and overwhelming urge to urinate that’s hard to control. For others, it might be leakage brought on by physical activities such as laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercising. There’s also the possibility of experiencing small, unexpected leaks throughout the day. By understanding which type of urinary incontinence you’re dealing with, you can take the right steps to manage your symptoms and regain control over your bladder health. Now, let’s go through all six of them listed below.

Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles that support your bladder, particularly the pelvic floor muscles, weaken or stretch, allowing pressure on the bladder to cause urine leakage. This happens during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or exercising. It’s important to note that this is different from emotional or mental stress. Stress incontinence refers to the physical strain on the bladder, not psychological tension.

The severity of stress incontinence can vary. For some, it might mean occasional, mild leaks during a vigorous workout or a sneeze, while for others, it can lead to more frequent and disruptive leakage during everyday activities. Understanding stress incontinence can help in identify suitable options, from pelvic floor exercises to other non-invasive interventions aimed at strengthening the muscles and improving bladder control.

Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, happens when you experience a sudden, intense need to urinate, often without warning. This occurs because your bladder sends nerve signals to empty itself, even when it isn’t full. These bladder spasms can be hard to control, causing leaks before you can make it to the bathroom. Unlike stress incontinence, urge incontinence isn’t triggered by physical activity but by an overactive bladder.

This type of incontinence often results in frequent trips to the bathroom, sometimes disrupting your day or waking you up at night. Though it becomes more common with age, urge incontinence can also be related to conditions like bladder irritation, nerve damage, or other health issues. Managing urge incontinence typically involves bladder training and lifestyle adjustments to calm the bladder’s overactivity.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder doesn’t fully empty, leading to frequent or constant dribbling of urine. This happens when weak bladder muscles or blockages prevent normal urine flow, causing the bladder to become too full. As a result, small amounts of urine leak continuously because the bladder can no longer hold the excess. Women with conditions such as nerve damage or pelvic organ prolapse are at greater risk of this type of incontinence.

The inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as stagnant urine allows bacteria to grow. After menopause, reduced oestrogen levels, changes in vaginal flora, and weakened pelvic muscles can weaken the urinary tract’s defences, increasing susceptibility to infections. While understanding overflow incontinence is important, exploring non-invasive ways to manage it is equally crucial. By focusing on bladder health, you can address symptoms and improve your quality of life before considering more intensive methods.

Functional incontinence, sometimes referred to as neurogenic incontinence, occurs when a physical or cognitive condition prevents a woman from reaching the toilet in time. This type of incontinence is not caused by issues with the bladder itself, but by external factors that make it difficult to manage. For instance, menopausal joint pain might limit your ability to move quickly or unbutton clothing, while cognitive impairments like dementia can affect the ability to recognise the need to urinate or find the bathroom.

Managing functional incontinence often involves addressing the underlying physical or cognitive challenges that hinder timely bathroom access. Simple modifications, such as wearing easier-to-remove clothing or adapting the bathroom setup for better access, can help significantly. Understanding functional incontinence allows for practical solutions to be implemented, empowering women to better manage their symptoms and maintain independence.

Mixed incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence, meaning you experience symptoms of both conditions simultaneously. You might leak urine when pressure is placed on the bladder during activities like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising (stress incontinence), while also dealing with a sudden, intense urge to urinate that can be difficult to control (urge incontinence). This mix of symptoms can be especially challenging, as it involves managing two different triggers for bladder leakage.

Managing mixed incontinence can feel overwhelming, but understanding the specific causes behind each symptom is key to finding suitable ways to manage it. Since this type involves both bladder overactivity and weakened pelvic muscles, addressing each issue through pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, and lifestyle changes can help reduce the impact of both stress and urge incontinence.

Total incontinence is characterised by a complete and continuous loss of bladder control, leading to constant urine leakage. This condition is often caused by physical abnormalities, severe nerve damage, or other major medical issues that prevent any voluntary control over urination. Unlike other forms of incontinence, total incontinence doesn’t involve occasional leakage or triggered events; instead, it is a constant, ongoing condition.

Managing total incontinence can be challenging, as it typically requires specialised care. While medical intervention is often necessary to address the underlying cause, understanding the condition and exploring supportive strategies can help women maintain comfort and dignity. Protective products such as absorbent pads, specialised underwear, and waterproof bedding can provide practical solutions, helping manage daily leakage and improve overall quality of life.

Urinary incontinence, though common, doesn’t have to control your life. At Orchard Clinic, we are dedicated to helping women regain control with non-invasive approaches tailored to meet individual needs. We understand how challenging it can be to manage the symptoms of urinary incontinence, and that’s why we focus on methods that are safe and convenient.

One of our key offerings is the Emsella Chair, a non-invasive option designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control without the need for surgery. To make getting started easier, we’re offering a S$28 urinary incontinence trial for a limited time only. This gives you the chance to experience the benefits firsthand and see how it can positively impact your quality of life. If you’re ready to take the first step toward regaining your confidence and control, we are here to support you. Reach out today to learn more about our tailored solutions and book your trial before the offer ends!