Common Types of Urinary Incontinence

May 12, 2022

Provider reviewing chart with patient

There are several types of urinary incontinence, which is the unintentional loss of bladder control. Symptoms, medical history and pattern of emptying the bladder help tell the type.

Urge (or “overactive bladder”): Most common in older adults, this type can cause urine to begin leaking when you drink liquid, hear running water or can’t get to the bathroom quickly enough.

Stress: This most common type can cause you to leak urine when you cough, laugh, or get up from sitting or lying down.

Mixed: This is a combination of urge and stress incontinence.

Overflow: The bladder doesn’t empty all the way during voiding, which can lead to urine leakage. It is more common in older men who may have had prostate issues.

Functional: Health problems, such as arthritis, can keep you from getting to the toilet in time.

Some medications can also cause urinary incontinence. Incontinence is treatable and can often be cured.

Talk to your doctor today about managing your bladder.

Urinary Incontinence FAQs

It’s important to see your doctor for a physical examination. Your symptoms, medical history and pattern of emptying your bladder (also called “voiding”) will help tell what type of urinary incontinence you have. A voiding diary is essential information for your doctor. It’s a record you keep for a few days and nights of the times you emptied your bladder and the volumes emptied. Your doctor needs to know the circumstances around when your symptoms began and determine any medical conditions that may affect your urinary tract function. To determine the type and severity of the incontinence, your doctor may conduct a number of evaluations and screenings.

Urinary incontinence is treatable and can often be cured. About 80% of people with incontinence see positive changes when they get the help they need. Your doctor will determine the treatments best for you. Treatments depend on the type of incontinence you have and may include:

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which increase urine production
  • Avoiding acidic foods, which can irritate the bladder
  • Losing weight, quitting smoking, choosing water, limiting fluids before bedtime
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Bladder retraining (scheduling urination to help gain more bladder control)
  • Pelvic muscle exercises
  • Drug therapy
  • Surgery (generally a last resort when incontinence doesn’t respond to other treatments)

 

Urinary incontinence is not a normal part of aging—it’s a symptom of another issue. It can be caused by a variety of things, including certain illnesses or injuries. Some medicines can cause bladder problems that last a short time. When incontinence lasts longer, it may be because of another reason.

Conditions That Might Cause Urinary Incontinence:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bladder irritants
  • Damage to nerves that control bladder
  • Vaginal infection or irritation
  • Prostate problems
  • Weak or overactive bladder muscles
  • Weak pelvic floor
  • Diseases that make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time

WELLNESS EVENTS

 

RECENT POSTS

fraud blocks

Protect Yourself From Fraudsters
Nov 25, 2025

Blood pressure

Healthy Habits
Nov 25, 2025

Blood pressure

Understanding High Blood Pressure
Apr 9, 2025

FraudAltert.psd (1080 x 720 px) (1080 x 720 px) (1080 x 720 px) (1080 x 720 px) (900 x 600 px) - Bladder Trouble

Your Bladder May Be Telling You Something About Your Health
Apr 3, 2025

SEniors walking

Habits for
Healthier Living
Apr 3, 2025

PREVENTIVE CARE CHECKLIST

Preventive care checklist

GUIDE TO HEALTHY AGING

Untitled design - 1

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on Peoples Health, visit our website https://www.peopleshealth.com.


Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. For Dual Special Needs Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare.

© 2026 Peoples Health – All Rights Reserved