Do different types of urinary incontinence exist?

Yes. There are several types of urinary incontinence, which are classified according to the symptoms experienced and circumstances at the time of the urine leakage.

Stress incontinence occurs when an increase in pressure in the abdomen from activities such as exercising, coughing, sneezing and laughing forces the urinary sphincter to open inappropriately and urine to leak. It is the most common form of incontinence.

Urge incontinence occurs when the bladder contracts when it should not, causing an abrupt, overwhelming urge to urinate followed by urine leakage. It is a symptom of overactive bladder, a condition characterized by involuntary bladder contractions during the time the bladder is filling.

Mixed incontinence occurs when you have more than one type of incontinence, usually stress and urge incontinence. Usually one type is more bothersome than the other.

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder fails to empty properly, either because of obstruction or weak bladder muscle contractions. When you try to urinate, abnormally large amounts of urine remain in the bladder.

Reflex incontinence occurs when people with a neurological injury, such as paralysis, experience urinary incontinence without any warning signals.

Functional incontinence occurs when physical or mental disabilities prevent you from getting to the toilet in time.

Transient incontinence occurs due to a temporary condition, such as a urinary tract infection. The incontinence typically ends when the condition passes.