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Dr. Raju R
Senior Urologist & Andrologist

Urinary Incontinence

Overview

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine — a common and often under-reported condition that affects both men and women. It has several distinct underlying types, and identifying which type (or combination) is present guides the right treatment.

Symptoms

●Leakage with coughing, sneezing or exercise (stress incontinence)
●A sudden strong urge followed by leakage (urge incontinence)
●Constant or frequent dribbling (overflow incontinence)
●Nighttime leakage
●Skin irritation from prolonged wetness
●Complete loss of bladder control

Causes

Causes include weakened pelvic floor muscles, an overactive bladder, prior prostate surgery, bladder outlet obstruction, and nerve-related bladder problems.

Risk Factors

Aging — Pelvic floor and bladder muscle strength naturally decline over time.
Prostate surgery history — A known cause of stress incontinence in men.
Obesity — Added abdominal pressure stresses the pelvic floor.
Chronic cough — Repeated strain weakens pelvic floor support.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes a bladder diary, physical exam, a cough stress test, and sometimes urodynamic studies to characterize the type and severity of leakage.

Complications If Untreated

Beyond the physical discomfort, incontinence can lead to skin breakdown, social withdrawal, and — particularly in elderly patients rushing to the bathroom — an increased risk of falls.

Prevention Tips

Regular pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and promptly treating a chronic cough all help reduce the risk and severity of incontinence.

Lifestyle Advice

Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, done correctly and consistently, along with a structured bladder training routine, meaningfully improve most cases of stress and urge incontinence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Incontinence is involuntary urine leakage, with main types being stress, urge, mixed, and overflow incontinence. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Causes include weak pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder, prostate surgery, obstruction, and nerve-related bladder problems. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Diagnosis includes a bladder diary, physical exam, cough stress test, and sometimes urodynamic studies. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Treatment ranges from pelvic floor therapy and medication to slings or other surgery, depending on the type. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

No, it's common with age but not inevitable, and effective treatments exist at any age. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

See a urologist whenever leakage affects daily life or doesn't improve with basic exercises. When should I consult Dr. Raju R?

Consult Dr. Raju R

Expert Urology specialist in Bangalore

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