There are several different types or urinary incontinence. Straining puts pressure on the bladder which results in leakage. Urge incontinence is leakage from an overactive bladder. Patients feel an overwhelming desire to urinate which cannot be controlled and incontinence occurs. Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence with components and symptoms of both.
Overflow incontinence is leakage occurring with overdistension of the bladder.
Overdistension results from partial obstruction of the bladder which causes a constant steady leakage of urine. Treatment for urinary incontinence varies depending on the type of incontinence. The first step in treatment is accurate diagnosis of the type of incontinence involved. Diagnosis involves a simple history and physical examination which often is all that is necessary. Additional tests may be necessary in more complicated cases.