Urinary incontinence is a lot more common than you might think. It can happen for many reasons. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or chronic medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease (even asthma!) can cause bladder disruptions, leading to leaks.

For some, it’s a small leak when laughing or sneezing, while for others, it’s a complete loss of bladder control. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, understanding what type of incontinence you’re dealing with can help you find the best way to manage it.

Let’s break down the main types of urinary incontinence, their causes, and what they feel like.

Stress Incontinence: When Pressure Leads to Leaks

Ever had a "whoops" moment when you laughed a little too hard or sneezed unexpectedly?

That’s stress incontinence - when small leaks happen during activities that put extra pressure on your bladder, like coughing, running, or lifting something heavy.

Who’s most affected?

It’s most common in women, especially after pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause, but men aren’t totally off the hook; it can happen to them too. This is usually after prostate surgery.

What causes it?

Basically, your bladder’s support system gets weaker, and that extra pressure makes it harder to hold everything in. Some things that can make it worse include:

• Chronic coughing (asthma, smoking, bronchitis)
• Extra weight (more pressure on the bladder = more leaks)
• Diabetes
• Constipation (straining can wear out those pelvic muscles)
  

Bottom line: If you’ve ever had to cross your legs when you sneeze or felt a little leak after a belly laugh, stress incontinence could be the reason!

Urge Incontinence: The “Gotta Go NOW” Feeling

Urge incontinence is when you feel a sudden, intense need to pee, even when your bladder isn’t full. It’s like your bladder is overreacting and contracting before it’s actually time.

Who’s most affected?

Anyone can experience it, but it’s more common in older adults and those with overactive bladder (OAB) or neurological conditions.

What causes it?

Urge incontinence is usually due to an overactive or unstable bladder (also called detrusor instability). Triggers may include:

• Bladder infections
• Nerve damage (from diabetes, MS, stroke, etc.)
• Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol
• Certain medications

People with urge incontinence often need to wake up several times a night to pee (nocturia) and may leak before they even make it to the toilet.

Bottom line: If you’re rushing to the toilet constantly, feeling like your bladder is always full, and sometimes not making it in time, this might be your type of incontinence.

Chronic Retention: When the Bladder Won’t Fully Empty

This type of incontinence happens when the bladder doesn’t fully empty, causing constant dribbling or small leaks throughout the day.

Who’s most affected?

This can affect both men and women, but it’s more common in those with enlarged prostates, diabetes, or nerve-related conditions.

What causes it?

Chronic urinary retention can happen if there’s a blockage or nerve damage that prevents the bladder from emptying properly. Signs include:

• Weak or slow urine stream
• Straining to pee
• Frequent bladder infections
• Dribbling after going to the toilet
• Bedwetting

Bottom line: If you feel like you’re never fully emptying your bladder and experience constant small leaks, chronic retention may be to blame.

Functional Incontinence: When the Brain & Body Are on Different Pages

Functional incontinence happens when someone physically or cognitively can’t get to the toilet in time - even if their bladder is working fine.

Who’s most affected?

This is most common in older adults and those with conditions like dementia, mobility issues, or poor eyesight.

What causes it?

Functional incontinence isn’t about bladder control—it’s about barriers that prevent someone from getting to the toilet in time. These might include:

• Cognitive issues (dementia, Alzheimer’s)
• Physical limitations (arthritis, difficulty walking, muscle weakness)
• Environmental factors (bathroom too far, poor lighting, low toilet seats)
• Clothing struggles (difficulty undoing buttons, zippers, or belts in time)

Bottom line: If someone knows they need to pee but struggles to reach the toilet, functional incontinence might be the issue.

Identifying Your Type of Incontinence

Urinary incontinence isn’t just one condition, it comes in different forms, each with its own causes and challenges. Understanding what type you’re dealing with is the first step in finding the best way to manage it.

The good news? There are solutions for every type of incontinence from lifestyle changes and bladder training to pelvic floor exercises and medical treatments. No matter the cause, you’re not alone, and there are ways to take back control.