Overflow urinary incontinence occurs when a person is unable to completely empty the bladder, leading to a later uncontrollable overflow. A person experiencing overflow incontinence may have difficulty starting to pee, peeing quickly, fully emptying the bladder, and may leak small or large amounts of urine. Many people with overflow incontinence experience frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of the urine retention.
Causes of Overflow Incontinence
Unlike other types of urinary incontinence, overflow incontinence occurs more frequently in men than women. A common cause of overflow incontinence is prostatic hyperplasia – the condition of a non-cancerous enlarged prostate.
Common causes of overflow incontinence are:
- An Enlarged Prostate
- Bladder stones
- Tumors or scar tissue
- Nerve conditions, like multiple sclerosis or brain injuries
- Medications
- Prolapse of the uterus or bladder (in women)
Some medications that may cause overflow incontinence include antidepressants, diuretics, and narcotics.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants can keep the bladder from fully contracting, which keeps it from emptying fully. This can, in turn, make symptoms of overflow incontinence even worse.
Diuretics
Diuretics flush excess water from the kidneys, making you need to use the restroom more often. If you already have symptoms of overflow incontinence, this extra volume of urine may cause significant leakage.
Narcotic painkillers
Any drugs made from opium can interfere with the ability of the bladder to fully contract. This keeps the bladder from emptying, leading to urine retention and incontinence.
Treatment of Overflow Incontinence
Treatment of overflow incontinence centers around allowing patients to fully empty their bladders. Overflow incontinence is frequently a side effect of another medical issue that doesn’t allow the bladder muscles to function properly. A doctor will run tests and will then create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the urine retention.
If you or a loved one is suffering from accidents due to overflow incontinence, it is time to see a physician. Tests can determine the type and severity of your incontinence, and a treatment plan will be created for you.
Don’t suffer alone with incontinence: the doctors at the Incontinence Institute in middle Tennessee can help. Take our free incontinence quiz and then contact our discreet Medical Concierge today.