Welcome back to our Incontinence Inside Scoop series! In this third and final part, we’re diving into a less talked about, but equally important type of incontinence—overflow incontinence. If you’ve ever felt like your bladder never fully empties or you experience constant dribbling, this one’s for you.
What Is Overflow Incontinence?
Overflow incontinence happens when your bladder can’t empty properly, causing it to "overflow" and release urine unintentionally. Unlike the sudden urge of urge incontinence or the leakage from activities in stress incontinence, overflow incontinence is marked by a frequent or constant dribble of urine. This occurs because the bladder becomes overly full and can’t hold the extra urine. It’s more common in men, especially those with prostate issues, but it can affect women too.
What Causes Overflow Incontinence?
The main culprit behind overflow incontinence is usually an obstruction that blocks the normal flow of urine. This could be due to:
An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in men, which blocks the urethra.
Bladder muscle weakness, where the muscles can’t contract enough to empty the bladder.
Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, spinal cord injury, or multiple sclerosis.
Urinary tract obstructions like bladder stones.
In some cases, certain medications that relax the bladder muscles or cause fluid retention can contribute to overflow incontinence.
Signs of Overflow Incontinence
The signs of overflow incontinence are usually easy to spot:
A weak urine stream that takes longer to finish.
Difficulty starting urination or needing to strain to go.
Constant dribbling of urine, even when you don’t feel the urge.
Feeling like your bladder is never fully empty.
Urinary tract infections from the bladder not emptying properly.
How Is Overflow Incontinence Diagnosed?
A diagnosis starts with understanding your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Your doctor might recommend:
Urinalysis to check for infections or other issues.
Post-void residual (PVR) testing to measure how much urine remains in your bladder after you pee.
Cystoscopy to take a closer look at your urinary tract for any blockages.
Urodynamic studies to evaluate how well your bladder holds and releases urine.
Overflow Incontinence Solutions at Access Urology
At Access Urology, our experienced team offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to treat all types of incontinence, including overflow incontinence.
If you're tired of dealing with incontinence, don’t wait any longer. Give us a call today and reclaim your comfort and confidence!
With this final part of our Incontinence Inside Scoop series, we hope you've gained a better understanding of the different types of incontinence and the many solutions available. Stay proactive about your health, and remember, you're not alone—there are effective treatments out there to help!
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