Mixed Incontinence Causes And Treatments
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Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence is very common and occurs when symptoms of both stress and urgency types of incontinence are present. Often, symptoms of one type of incontinence may be more severe than the other.
For example, you may have a weak pelvic floor due to childbirth, creating stress urinary incontinence. Sometimes that causes leakage when one laughs or sneezes. When this incontinence is combined with an Overactive Bladder, the best treatment usually addresses the more serious condition. In this case, the weak pelvic floor would be a great place to start treatment.
You might also have mixed incontinence if there is urine leakage:
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After an urge to urinate
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When you experience a sudden urge to urinate
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While you sleep
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After drinking a small amount of water
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Touching water or hearing it run
Causes
As you might expect, mixed incontinence also shares the causes of both Stress Urinary Incontinence and Urgency Urinary Incontinence.
Stress Urinary Incontinence often results when childbirth, pregnancy, sneezing, coughing, or other factors have compromised the muscles that support and control the bladder. This, in turn, causes leakage.
Involuntary actions of the bladder muscles creates Urgency Urinary Incontinence. Damage to nerves of the bladder, the nervous system, or muscles themselves are usually the key causes. This damage may be caused by serious health issues including diabetes, MS, Parkinson’s disease, strokes, thyroid problems, and other surgery-related injuries.
Treatment Options
You can find more information on causes and treatments for mixed incontinence on the following pages:
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Urgency Urinary Incontinence, also known as Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Your physician will be better able to work with you on the appropriate treatment path based on your diagnosis. To help get a better understanding of what is at the root of your specific incontinence, your doctor may have you keep a diary for a day or more as a record of when you urinate, intentionally or on accident. Your doctor may ask you to record the specific time as well as the amount of urine to provide additional data.
Related Articles
Ask The Expert: Why Do I Experience More Incontinence at Night Than During the Day?
Many people notice that bladder control feels more difficult at night than during the day. Nighttime incontinence, also called nocturia, common experience for adults of many ages and health backgrounds. While it can feel frustrating or even isolating, it is important to know that this situation is more common than many people realize. Nighttime symptoms can feel especially challenging because they interrupt sleep, affect comfort, and may create worry about leaks while resting. Understanding why nighttime incontinence happens and what can help manage it can make a meaningful difference in both sleep quality and confidence. Understanding Nighttime Incontinence Nighttime incontinence refers to unintentional urine leakage that occurs while sleeping. It can show up in several ways, including waking frequently to urinate, bedwetting, or leaking during sleep without waking. These experiences are often connected to normal changes in the body during rest. During the day, the body is more alert to bladder signals, and muscles are actively engaged in maintaining control. At night, several natural processes shift, which can increase the likelihood of leaks for some individuals.
Answers to your questions about urge incontinence and neuromodulation
Urgency, frequent bathroom trips and unexpected leaks can disrupt daily life, but they’re more treatable than many people realize. Dr. Travis Bullock joins Life Without Leaks to answer questions from his recent webinar, explain the difference between overactive bladder and other forms of incontinence, and discuss new therapies like neuromodulation that can help restore bladder control and quality of life.
For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Managing Overnight Incontinence for a Better Night’s Sleep
A good night’s sleep plays an important role in maintaining overall health, comfort, and emotional well-being. For individuals managing incontinence, nighttime can sometimes feel uncertain. Overnight leaks may interrupt sleep, create concern about bedding or clothing, and make mornings feel more stressful than restful. These experiences are common, and they are something many adults navigate at different stages of life.
Ask The Expert: Why Do I Experience More Incontinence at Night Than During the Day?
Many people notice that bladder control feels more difficult at night than during the day. Nighttime incontinence, also called nocturia, common experience for adults of many ages and health backgrounds. While it can feel frustrating or even isolating, it is important to know that this situation is more common than many people realize. Nighttime symptoms can feel especially challenging because they interrupt sleep, affect comfort, and may create worry about leaks while resting. Understanding why nighttime incontinence happens and what can help manage it can make a meaningful difference in both sleep quality and confidence. Understanding Nighttime Incontinence Nighttime incontinence refers to unintentional urine leakage that occurs while sleeping. It can show up in several ways, including waking frequently to urinate, bedwetting, or leaking during sleep without waking. These experiences are often connected to normal changes in the body during rest. During the day, the body is more alert to bladder signals, and muscles are actively engaged in maintaining control. At night, several natural processes shift, which can increase the likelihood of leaks for some individuals.
