Mixed incontinence occurs when a combination of urge incontinence and stress incontinence symptoms are present. Frequent urges to use the restroom (overactive bladder) combined with leaks during physical activity, coughing or sneezing (stress incontinence) are symptoms of mixed incontinence. This condition most commonly affects women.
Symptoms of Mixed Incontinence
Because mixed incontinence is a combination of urge and stress incontinence, it shares symptoms of both. Typically, one type is more troublesome than the other.
You may have mixed incontinence if you experience the following symptoms:
- Loss of urine associated with a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate
- Urination while sleeping
- Urination immediately after drinking small amounts of liquid
- Urination caused by sneezing, coughing or laughing
- Urination caused by exercise or heavy lifting
What Causes Mixed Incontinence?
Mixed incontinence is caused by the same factors as stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Common causes of mixed incontinence include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Injury or surgery to the rectum, prostate, or vagina
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Nerve damage
The causes of both forms of incontinence may or may not be related, and because of this, it is important to see a physician to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Mixed Urinary Incontinence Treatment
After a diagnosis, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan. Typically, doctors will ask you to start a voiding diary to track how much you drink, when you drink, and when you urinate or have urges to urinate.
Based on the information from the voiding diary and examination by a physician, your doctor may suggest the following treatments for mixed incontinence:
- Bladder training
- Pelvic muscle exercises
- Medication
- Biofeedback Physical Therapy
- Surgery
- Botox Injections
Mixed Incontinence in Middle Tennessee
If you or a loved one is suffering from accidents due to incontinence, it is time to see a physician. If you live in middle Tennessee, the Incontinence Institute can help treat your mixed incontinence. Schedule an appointment today with our experienced team of urologists.