What is Urinary Incontinence?

Bladder control problems, or urinary incontinence, can be embarrassing to talk about. 

It is a common problem that can affect both men and women, caused by a variety of different factors, including overactive bladder muscles, damage to nerves that control the bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, and other physical and mental impairments. It is also related to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Different types of incontinence:

• Stress incontinence - urine leaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise.
• Urge Incontinence - an intense urge to urinate often 
• Overflow incontinence - experiencing constant dribbling of urine because the bladder does not empty properly
• Functional incontinence - not making it to the toilet in time due to arthritis or other disorders that prevent you from moving quickly 

Urinary incontinence can happen at any age, but it is more common in the aging population and women. If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, you may be wondering: How do I know if it is normal or not?

The answer is not simple—it depends on what type of urinary incontinence you have and how often or severe it happens. Here are some signs that you should talk with your doctor about:

• It happens more frequently causing you to restrict your activities
• It increases your risk of falls as you rush to the toilet
• You only pass small amounts of urine after a strong urge to urinate
• You experience pain while urinating

Urinary incontinence can be a very stressful experience. If you do experience more than 2 of the signs and think that it may be a health concern, see your doctor for further evaluation and testing to avoid any potential complications.