Stress Incontinence

This is the most common type of incontinence. Women with this type may experience leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, lifting or performing other kinds of strenuous activity. Childbirth and some surgeries can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder, allowing urine to leak when the abdomen is under stress.

Urge Incontinence

Women with urge incontinence may lose larger amounts of urine. This is associated with the feeling of not being able to reach the bathroom fast enough. Many women experience urge incontinence due to infections that irritate the bladder or urethra. Constipation may also contribute to the condition. A stroke, spinal cord injury, dementia or diseases that affect the nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, can also cause urge incontinence.

Mixed Incontinence

Many women experience both stress and urge incontinence at different times or under different circumstances. The causes of the two types may or may not be related.

If you are experiencing bladder leakage, you should set up an appointment with your doctor to evaluate the condition and eliminate any infection that might be present. Sometimes, a small surgical procedure can put matters right.

Here are some tips to help you better manage the problem of bladder leakage:

Watch what you drink: While it is important to not curb your intake of fluids (which may lead to dehydration), certain beverages can contribute to involuntary loss of urine. Tea, coffee and other caffeine containing beverages are particularly troublesome because they are diuretics.

Plan bathroom visits: As basic as it may seem, failing to heed the need to urinate is a common cause of incontinence. If you meet for a coffee with a friend, and you know you have to run a few errands on the way home, be sure to use the washroom before you leave—even if you don’t feel you need to.

Lose a few pounds: Excess weight contributes to the
internal pressure put on the bladder and the involuntary loss of urine. Even a five to 10 per cent weight loss can significantly reduce incontinence.