There are two basic types of urinary incontinence issues that begin to occur in women in their 30s and older- stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a result of a weak urethral sphincter. This usually occurs after childbirth, menopause or hysterectomy. Urine will leak out during "stress" manuevers such as exercise, laughing, coughing sneezing, and sex. It can be minor or severe.
Urge Urinary incontinence (UUI) is a form of Overactive Bladder (OAB). OAB is the abnormal and uncontrollable urge to go to the bathroom, with or without frequency, with or without urinary leakage. This can occur for a wide variety of reasons, most benign, but all annoying: here are a few examples of what can cause OAB or UUI:
excessive caffiene/fluid/alcohol
infection
interstitial cystitis
urgency/frequency syndrome
food or drink sensitivity
injury
stones
polyps
hysterectomy
menopause
habit
SUI and UUI/OAB can and often coexist. Each can be diagnosed and treated usually in a straightforward way.
Dr. Matthew Karlovsky is a urologist that specializes in female pelvic health in Phoenix, Ariz. For more information, visit www.urodoc.net or www.femaleurologyaz.blogspot.com/