• CLEVELAND, OHIO
  • 1-866-UH4-CARE
  • |
  • Search UH Online
Health Assessments Health & Wellness Information Topics Incontinence
Print this pageEmail this pageBookmark Page

Contact Information

General Phone Number
440-285-6000

Mailing Address
13207 Ravenna Road
Chardon, Ohio 44024
Incontinence Overview

Definition
Loss of Bladder Control resulting in the involuntary discharge of urine

Types of Incontinence
  • Overflow Incontinence: Feeling the need to urinate (void) as the urine spills over
  • Urge Incontinence a.k.a Overactive Bladder: Constantly feeling an intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss
  • Mixed Incontinence: Combination of both urge incontinence & over flow incontinence
  • Stress Urinary Incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, and lifting

Symptoms
  • Involuntary loss of urine due to physical activity
  • Inability to resist urine leakage after feeling the urge to urinate
  • Urinating more frequently than usual
  • Pain while urinating
  • Bladder infections
  • Feeling that the bladder is never completely empty even after urinating
  • Abnormal urination patterns

Common Causes of Female Incontinence
  • Pelvic surgery
  • Injuries to the pelvic region or to the spinal cord
  • Neurological diseases
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Obesity
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Degenerative changes associated with aging
  • Childbirth
  • Post-menopausal

Diagnosis
  • Medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Diagnostic tests:
    • Blood test
    • Cystoscopy
    • Post Void Residual (PVR)
    • Stress test
    • Urinalysis
    • Urodynamic testing

For more details on University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center or for help obtaining a physician referral, please call 440-285-7757.