Understanding Urinary Incontinence

Removing the Stigma Around Urinary Incontinence

Affecting over 33 million American adults, urinary incontinence is still rarely talked about and misunderstood. We're here to remove the stigma surrounding this condition and walk you through it.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence happens when there is a leakage of urine from the bladder that you cannot control. However, there are several different types of urinary incontinence.

Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Commonly referred to as urgency, an overactive bladder (OAB) is one of the most common types of urinary incontinence affecting about 40% of women and 30% of men. OAB is characterized by the sudden urge or need to urinate.

With OAB, your brain tells your body that your bladder is empty when in actuality, it’s full. Or your bladder muscles may be overactive, contracting to release urine before your bladder is actually full.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common form of urinary incontinence affecting older women. With SUI, the pelvic floor muscles have become weak and overstretched, allowing the bladder to leak during physical activity.

Some common occurrences that cause the bladder to leak with SUI include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Laughing
• Exercise
• Walking
• Bending

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence is more common in men than women. With overflow incontinence, the body is making more urine than your bladder can hold. Or in some cases, the bladder may be full and unable to empty, causing it to leak instead as more urine is produced.

This form of urinary incontinence is characterized by frequent urination in small amounts as well as a constant drip of urine called “dribbling.”

Primary Care in Titusville

When it comes to supporting your health, it is important to find a family care doctor you can trust. The family doctors at Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine treat patients throughout all stages of your life, providing you with the insight, resources, and preventative care you need to live happily and healthily.

Whether you’re in need of a regular check-up or you have a health concern, contact Parrish Medical Group Family Medicine at 321-268-6111 to schedule your next visit.