Information About Incontinence | Tennessee Valley Urology Center

Incontinence isn’t something most Americans know much about and it’s certainly not something we bring up in general conversation. That’s despite the fact as much as 17% of women and 11% of men deal with the condition.

So, let’s talk a little about this common condition that not only becomes a persistent issue for some, but also can be a temporary bother for many more.

What Is Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is, at its simplest, a loss of control of the bladder that can lead to small dribbles or even significant leaks. It can take several forms, including:

  • Urge incontinence, which typically presents as sudden and intense urges to urinate. For those who deal with it, a long trip to a toilet often leads to leaks. This type is often connected to another condition called overactive bladder.

  • Stress incontinence is the kind that shows up with exertion, including exercise, laughing or even just sneezing. This type is caused by problems with the muscles of the pelvic floor, which are more common among women who have given birth and men who have had prostate surgery.

  • Overflow incontinence is when the bladder doesn’t empty completely during urination, which leads to small leaks between visits to the restroom. Chronic conditions can cause this type, and men with enlarged prostates are also prone to it, since that choking of the ureters can make it hard to fully empty the bladder.

  • Functional incontinence is caused by an impairment that keeps a person from making it to the restroom in time, such as a physical limitation. As such, it differs from the other types listed here in that it isn’t a loss of control, but an issue that causes urinary accidents.

  • Mixed incontinence combines other types, as its name implies, and can often be difficult to deal with because multiple issues can cause leakage.

What Causes Incontinence?

As already noted, having chronic conditions, giving birth and having an enlarged prostate can lead to onset of incontinence issues. Additionally, incontinence can have a number of triggers, including:

  • Drinking alcohol or carbonated drinks
  • Ingesting caffeine
  • Eating chocolate, or foods that are spicy, acidic or high in sugar
  • Taking certain medications

If you’re dealing with incontinence, the board-certified urologists at Tennessee Valley Urology Center are ready to help you get things under control. From pelvic floor rehabilitation to treatment for enlarged prostates, we know how to deal with this common condition.