Incontinence
Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine or bowel contents. This can commonly occur with a cough, sneeze, heavy lifting, exercise, or from not making it to the toilet on time. Many women experience urinary leakage, especially after having a baby, but this doesn’t mean it is normal or something you have to live with. Research shows that symptoms of incontinence can be significantly improved with physiotherapy.​
Incontinence FAQS
Common incontinence questions answered
01
Types of Incontinence
There are different types of incontinence, these include: •Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) •Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) •Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) •Faecal Incontinence (FI)
02
Symptoms of Incontinence
There are different types of incontinence, these include: •Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) •Urge urinary incontinence (UUI) •Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) •Faecal Incontinence (FI)
03
What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?
•Leaking with exercise, sneezing, coughing, or intercourse •Leaking while walking to the toilet •Frequent urination or many ‘just in case’ toilet visits •Fear of social activities due to fear of leaking •Use of pads or liners
04
What is Urge Incontinence
Urge urinary incontinence is characterised by a sudden and intense urge to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage of urine. It occurs due to overactivity of the detrusor muscle, which controls bladder contractions. Women with urge urinary incontinence may experience frequent urination, nocturia, and a sense of urgency that interferes with daily activities.
05
What is Mixed Urinary Incontinence
Mixed urinary incontinence is a combination of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI). Individuals with mixed urinary incontinence experience symptoms of both conditions, including leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure (SUI) and sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate (UUI).
06
What is Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of stool or gas, leading to an inability to control bowel movements. It can vary in severity, from occasional leakage to complete loss of bowel control. Fecal incontinence can be caused by various factors, including muscle weakness, nerve damage, and structural abnormalities.