Urinary incontinence is classified into three main types. The first type is called urgent stress incontinence, the second is stress, imperative, or urge incontinence, and the third is mixed incontinence, where both components are present. Other types include paradoxical ischuria, continuous incontinence, and situational incontinence.
Urgent incontinence is a condition where a man is aware of the need to urinate but cannot control it or “reach the bathroom” in time. This type is typical for Parkinson’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and also occurs in men after a stroke.
Stress incontinence is the most common type. It is not related to psychological stress but occurs during physical exertion, laughing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects, leading to increased bladder pressure and involuntary urine leakage.
Mixed incontinence involves both urgent and stress incontinence. This type arises due to reduced detrusor contractility, bladder overdistension, and sphincter insufficiency.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
- Radical prostatectomy or adenomectomy (transurethral or open) for prostate cancer.
- Prolonged use of diuretics and certain medications that affect muscle tone and neuromuscular transmission.
- Brain or spinal cord injuries resulting in loss of bladder control.
- Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
- Weak pelvic floor muscles due to chronic constipation, sedentary lifestyle, desk jobs, or prolonged physical labor.
- Bladder and lower urinary tract infections.
- Toxicities, including alcohol intoxication.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate adenoma.
- Malignant prostate tumors.
- Long-term use of psychotropic drugs.
- Stress or mental illness.
Diagnostic Methods
- Urodynamic studies.
- Urethrocystoscopy.
- Urethrocystography.
Treatment Methods
- Medication therapy.
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises).
- Injections of bulking agents (fillers).
- Artificial sphincter implantation.
