Stress Incontinence (achoo-- oops!)

Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence that is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity or exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. This condition can be distressing and embarrassing, and it affects millions of people worldwide, particularly women.

Stress incontinence occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra become weakened or damaged. This can happen due to various factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, aging, obesity, chronic coughing, or surgery in the pelvic area.

Some common symptoms of stress incontinence include:

Urine leakage during physical activity: Individuals may experience urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Nocturia: Individuals may need to get up during the night to urinate.
Incomplete bladder emptying: Individuals may feel that their bladder is not emptying fully after urination.
Urinary urgency: Individuals may feel an urgent need to urinate, but may not be able to hold it until they reach a restroom.
Urinary tract infections: Frequent infections can occur when urine is left in the bladder after incomplete emptying.

Urge Incontinence (gotta go NOW)

Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is a type of urinary incontinence that is characterized by a sudden, strong, and uncontrollable urge to urinate, followed by involuntary urine leakage. This condition can be embarrassing and disruptive to daily life, and it affects millions of people worldwide.

Urge incontinence occurs when the muscles in the bladder contract involuntarily, causing a sudden and strong urge to urinate. This can happen even if the bladder is not full, and the urge can be difficult to control. The involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological conditions, bladder infections, or damage to the pelvic muscles.

There are several common symptoms associated with urge incontinence. These include:

Sudden urge to urinate: Individuals with urge incontinence may feel an urgent need to urinate even if their bladder is not full.
Frequent urination: Individuals may need to urinate more than eight times a day.
Involuntary urine leakage: This can occur during physical activity, when laughing, sneezing, or coughing.
Nocturia: Individuals may need to get up during the night to urinate.
Pain or discomfort during urination: Individuals may experience pain or burning when they urinate.