Overflow Incontinence Causes & Treatments


Continence Clinics & Services »

Overflow incontinence is the sensation that your bladder is never fully empty, and is often caused when there is something blocking urine from successfully exiting the bladder – such as an enlarged prostate in men, or urinary stones. It can also be caused when the sensors in the bladder wall or the spinal cord are damaged, so that the brain is unable to recognise the urge to urinate.

A number of other physical factors can be responsible for causing incontinence including:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Medication
  • Surgery, including hysterectomy
  • Smoking
  • Frequent high-impact aerobics
  • Hormone imbalance or the menopause in women
  • Diabetes
  • Aging and the accompanying weakening of muscles
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Radiation therapy

Overflow Incontinence Treatments

Overflow incontinence where there is no obvious obstruction to the bladder can be treated using self-catheterisation. A doctor or nurse can explain this process to you. If there is some form of obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate, causing the problem, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction.



Further Information about Incontinence