Incontinence

Defined as passing urine when you don’t mean to. Approximately 3-6 million people in the UK have some degree of incontinence due to complete or partial loss of bladder control. Age is a factor and urinary incontinence affects roughly twice as many women as men. Pelvic Floor Exercises can help certain forms of incontinence.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence. This is when a small amount of urine leaks out during physical activity, including coughing, sneezing, laughing, heavy lifting or sex (usually at penetration). This is because your pelvic floor muscles are weak and can't tighten (contract) properly. Usually only a little bit of urine leaks out but it can be very embarrassing. This type of incontinence is common in women after having children or after the menopause.
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Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence is the second most common type of incontinence. The bladder contracts involuntarily, leading to a loss of bladder control and the release of large amounts of urine. Exercises don't hep this form of incontinence but there are other ways you can help yourself.
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Other Forms Of Incontinence

• Overflow incontinence Where the bladder releases a regular small dribble of urine due to internal pressure. More common in older men and very rare in women
• Reflex Bladder This is where people have no bladder control at all. It can be a lifelong condition or caused by injury or illness
• Nocturia Nocturnia is a condition where people need to go to the toilet more frequently than normal at night
• Mixed incontinence A mix of any or all of the above

External Links

• NHS Direct Online Health Encyclopaedia