Urinary Incontinence in Adults

Question 1

What is urinary incontinence?

Answer 1

Complaint of involuntary leakage of urine

Question 2

What are the two classes of lower urinary tract symptoms?

Answer 2

Storage dysfunction
Voiding dysfunction

Question 3

What are the four most common types of urinary incontinence?

Answer 3

Stress
Urgency
Overflow
Functional

Question 4

Of the four types, which is the most common type?

Answer 4

Stress incontinence

Question 5

What is the mechanism of stress incontinence?

Answer 5

Weakened pelvic floor muscles
Increased abdominal pressure (“stress” from laughing, coughing, exercise, abdominal obesity) increases pressure leading to compromised sphincter and leakage

Intrinsic sphincter deficiency can also be a less common cause (following bladder surgery, vaginal birth, or neurological disorder)

Question 6

What is the mechanism of urgency incontinence?

Answer 6

Leakage of large amounts of urine due to inability to delay voiding when urge is perceived

Could be due detrusor hyperactivity or instability and CNS disorder (Parkinson, stroke, spina cord injury, multiple sclerosis)

Question 7

What type of syndrome can lead to urgency incontinence?

Answer 7

Overactive bladder syndrome

Question 8

What is mixed incontinence?

Answer 8

Mix of features that include stress and urgency incontinence

Question 9

What is mechanism of overflow incontinence?

Answer 9

Leakage due to distended bladder (AKA chronic retention of urine)

Underactive bladder and can include neurogenic bladder

Question 10

What is the mechanism of functional incontinence?

Answer 10

Leakage caused by inability to mobilize or use toilet.
Physical constraints (Restricted mobility,