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How to Tell The difference between Urge Incontinence and Stress Incontinence

There maybe more than one cause for urine leakage so a review of the symptons and physical examination by your doctor will help to identify the cause. The tablebelow will help you to assess the symptons and identify the cause of urine leakage.

Symptons Overactive Bladder Stress Incontinence
Urgency Yes No
Frequency with Urgency Yes No
Leakage with Physical Activity No Yes
Amount of Urine Leaked with each episode Large, if Present Usually Small
Ability to reach toilet in time following an urge to void No or Just Barely Yes
Need to Wake up at Night to Urinate Often Yes Not Often

A physical examination will include an examination of your perineum. You will be asked to "bear down" and cough. The doctor will then look for movement of the urethra and leakage of urine. Leakage of urine during this examination indicates stress urinary incontinence.

The doctor may also perform a urodynamic study. This may show up an overactive bladder if the bladder contracts at a time when they should be relaxed.

 

 

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