Types of Urinary IncontinenceStress Incontinence refers to the leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, jogging, or doing anything that causes the abdominal pressure to be stronger than the bladder’s closure mechanism.

Urge incontinence is associated with a strong desire to urinate and the inability to delay voiding long enough to get to a toilet. For this type, there is usually a large amount of urine loss at one time.

Overflow incontinence is the frequent leakage of urine without the urge to void or the inability to urinate normal volumes. The amount of urine that exceeds the bladder’s capacity leaks out, but the bladder remains full.

Total incontinence is the complete absence of control, either continuous leakage or periodic uncontrolled emptying of the bladder’s contents.

Enuresis is the term most widely used to describe bedwetting in children who are old enough to be "potty trained", and adults who experience loss of bladder control at night.

There is much you can do to help your healthcare professional determine the type and cause of your incontinence. Before your visit, prepare a list of all prescription and non-prescription medications which you are taking, or bring them with you. Also briefly describe your medical history, including information on any surgeries you may have had. In addition, your healthcare professional will ask you questions about how much fluid you drink, and how and when you lose urine.

Once a complete history has been taken, you may find that special diagnostic studies, including urodynamic tests, are in order. The type and the cause of your incontinence will determine the appropriate options.