Urinary Incontinence - Symptoms

Urinary incontinence can be present in any of the following forms:

Stress incontinence: leaking caused by sudden pressure while coughing, sneezing, exercising, dancing and swimming.

Urge incontinence:

• sensitive or overactive bladder
• the urge arises even with a small quantity of urine in the bladder
• increased frequency, more than 8 to 10 times a day
• urge to urinate even at the thought or sound of water
• certain medications causing an urge of incontinence

Overflow incontinence: dribbling urine when the bladder fails to empty properly.

It is possible to have one or all combinations of the aforementioned symptoms.

Complications

Physical complications:

• skin disease such as rash, boils and infections due to skin irritation
• recurrent urinary tract infections and fever
• obesity due to lack of exercise
• unpleasant urine odour from the body
• hygiene problems
• disturbed sleep

Emotional complications:

• low self-image
• emotional and social isolation – avoiding social gatherings and outings with the family
• relationship issues between partners
• depression because of an impaired quality of life