Type

Definition

Common Cause

Clinical Features

Stress UI

Involuntary loss of urine due to increased pressure on the bladder

Typical provoking events – sneezing, straining due to constipation, laughing

Occurs largely in women

Weakened pelvic floor muscles due to multiparity, obesity, chronic cough, straining of stool

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Previous vaginal/bladder surgery

Frequent, small amounts of urine leakage

Typically follows a stressor

No irritative symptoms or nocturia (excessive urinating at night)

Normal bladder capacity

Urge UI

(overactive bladder)

Involuntary leakage associated with a sudden strong need to void, larger amount

Affects both males and females

Urinary tract infection

Upper motor neuron lesion

Stroke

Parkinson’s Disease

Irritative voiding symptoms:

• Urgency, frequency, nocturia
• Moderate to large volumes of UI
• Smaller bladder capacity

Often co-exist with stress UI – called mixed UI

Overflow UI

Involuntary leakage associated with loss of bladder muscle contractility and/or bladder outlet obstruction, resulting in incomplete emptying of the bladder and retention of urine

Largely affects male

Medications

Lower motor neuron lesion

Cystocele

Urethral Stricture

Pelvic Cancer

Faecal Impaction

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

(commonest cause in Male over the age of 60)

Obstructive voiding symptoms:

• Hesitancy, straining to void
• Intermittent reduced urine stream
• Prolonged voiding
• Post-voiding dribbling and sensation of bladder fullness

Functional UI

Involuntary leakage associated with cognitive, functional or mobility difficulties that impair the ability to use the toilet, but without failure of the bladder’s capacity for storage and emptying.

Dementia or cognitive repair

Delirium

Depression

Immobility

Continence improves when appropriate help is provided