The Different Types of Incontinence
According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, incontinence impacts 1 in 4 Australian adults and refers to the unintentional loss or leakage of urine or faeces. Managing incontinence effectively is essential in supporting comfort, dignity, and overall well-being for those affected.
There are several types of incontinence, each with its own causes—ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle factors and post-surgical effects. Identifying the specific type of incontinence helps in choosing the most suitable continence products, whether for individual use or for supporting care providers.
Different Types of Urinary Incontinence Stress Incontinence
1. Stress Incontinence
Commonly referred to as exercise incontinence, this is the most common form of incontinence and occurs when excess pressure is placed on the bladder and a weakened pelvic floor muscle - leading to the loss of small amounts of urine.
In women, stress incontinence can be the cause of aging and a less elastic bladder, meaning that the bladder muscles can’t stretch as much as they once did and resulting in an overactive bladder. Having an overactive bladder will cause you to urinate more frequently.
For men, an overactive bladder may be the sign of an enlarged prostate gland which can cause the release of urine involuntarily. Stress incontinence in men is also a common after-effect of medical operations or surgeries like prostate surgery – and can be temporary or long-term.
2. Pregnancy Incontinence
Pregnancy is one of the leading causes of urinary incontinence in women with research showing that over 40% of pregnant women will experience urinary incontinence. Urinary Incontinence can also occur any time after pregnancy with 1 in 3 women experiencing incontinence.
As a result of hormonal changes, the pregnant belly puts extra pressure on the bladder, and when paired with a weakened pelvis floor muscle post-birth, incontinence commonly occurs. This is the reason that using incontinence products like pads or liners is common during and after pregnancy.
3. Urge Incontinence
Urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense need to urinate. This can sometimes be caused by nervous disorders, certain medications, alcohol, or menopause, which weakens pelvic floor muscles.
Women experiencing menopause may face more frequent urges to use the toilet. Menopause is a hormonal transition where women commonly aged 45 to 55 experience a reduction in estrogen. This can result in a more frequent urge to use the toilet and can also be an indicator of a prolapse.
Weight gain and obesity may also be another cause of urge incontinence as the extra pressure of your body weight can create strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
4. Overflow or Drip Incontinence
Overflow or Drip Incontinence describes a person's inability to completely empty their bladder due to an obstruction and, as a result, can cause urine leakage.
Drip incontinence can also be caused by fistulas which occurs when there is a hollow pathway from one organ, like the bladder, to another. These forms of incontinence can cause constant dribbling where the flow of urine is disrupted.
Occurring most often when there is damage to the nerves and muscles around the bladder, this form of incontinence appears more commonly in men who may have a blockage like an enlarged prostate or tumours - leading to urinary retention.
Overflow or Drip Incontinence can be a temporary or long-term issue for you and can create other complications if not managed like urinary tract infections.
5. Functional Incontinence
Functional Incontinence is the result of being unable to retain urine due to an alternate health condition. The health conditions that can cause Functional Incontinence are psychological or physical conditions that make it difficult to reach the toilet.
Functional incontinence often occurs in people with eye problems and those who are bedridden. Management of functional incontinence is specific to the individual and what kind of continence aids may be required.
6. Reflex or Neurological Incontinence
Reflex incontinence or Neurological Incontinence are terms used to describe any incontinence that is caused by neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or even spinal cord injury.
These kinds of incontinence occur when there is a disruption of the messaging from the brain to the bladder. More specifically, this is where the urinary system loses its normal function and the messaging from the brain to the urinary sphincter is affected.
Reflex or Neurological Incontinence can also be a side effect of radiation, surgical trauma or disease.
7. Bowel Incontinence
Bowel incontinence, or fecal incontinence, involves unintentional stool loss and can result from conditions like weakened anal muscles, constipation, or prolapse. Specialized bowel care products are critical in ensuring skin protection and comfort.
Incontinence Management
Effectively managing incontinence can significantly enhance quality of life for both individuals and caregivers. Management can involve a range of exercises, treatments, and products designed to reduce or contain leakage and prevent associated health issues.
Incontinence Products
Incontinence products—like absorbent pants, pads, and bed underlays—offer essential protection against leaks, promoting comfort and dignity. Selecting the right fit, size, and absorbency is essential for optimal comfort and leak prevention. Proper sizing helps prevent skin irritation, making it easier to carry on daily activities.
Tip: Measuring hip circumference is a reliable way to find the right fit in continence aids. Products with adhesive strips support caregivers, while active individuals may prefer pants or liners for easy replacement.
Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
Following medical advice is the foundation of effective incontinence treatment. Commonly recommended methods include pelvic floor strengthening exercises, such as Kegels, and bladder training, which encourages control over bathroom visits.
Double voiding—urinating, waiting briefly, and urinating again—helps empty the bladder fully and reduces overflow issues. In more complex cases, a catheter might be necessary for complete bladder drainage.
Finding and implementing the right incontinence solution helps maintain daily activities confidently and comfortably.