Types of Incontinence


Continence Clinics & Services »

There are various different forms of incontinence, including:

  • Stress incontinence
  • Urge incontinence
  • Overflow incontinence
  • Functional incontinence
  • Reflex incontinence
  • Incontinence as a side effect of surgery

Most cases of incontinence will involve someone having problems with the frequency or urgency of urination – they will either have to pass urine frequently within a 24 hour period, or will often experience the sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. Approximately 90% of all cases of incontinence are either stress or urge incontinence, although some people will have symptoms consistent with both types of incontinence – this is known as mixed type incontinence. As each form of incontinence has a different cause, so the treatments will vary. The bladder is a complicated system, and is dependent upon many different muscles and nerves operating correctly. The failure of any one of these can result in loss of bladder control and incontinence.



Further Information about Incontinence