Overflow incontinence

A type of urinary incontinence

Classification
External resources

Overview

Diagram illustrating overflow incontinence

Overflow incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence characterized by the involuntary release of urine from an overfilled bladder. This condition occurs when the bladder is unable to empty properly, leading to frequent or constant dribbling of urine.

Causes

Overflow incontinence can result from a variety of causes, including:

• Bladder outlet obstruction: This can be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, which is an enlargement of the prostate gland that obstructs the flow of urine.
• Neurogenic bladder: Conditions such as diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury can affect the nerves that control the bladder, leading to overflow incontinence.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as those with anticholinergic properties, can impair bladder function and contribute to overflow incontinence.
• Urethral stricture: Narrowing of the urethra can impede urine flow, causing the bladder to overfill.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of overflow incontinence is the frequent or constant dribbling of urine. Other symptoms may include:

• A sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
• Weak urine stream
• Straining to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of overflow incontinence typically involves:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Urinalysis to check for infection or other abnormalities
• Post-void residual measurement to assess how much urine remains in the bladder after urination
• Urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder function

Treatment

Treatment for overflow incontinence depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Catheterization: Intermittent or indwelling catheters can help empty the bladder.
• Medications: Drugs such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can be used to treat BPH.
• Surgery: Procedures to relieve bladder outlet obstruction or correct anatomical abnormalities.
• Lifestyle modifications: Changes such as scheduled voiding and fluid management can help manage symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for overflow incontinence varies depending on the cause and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many individuals can achieve significant improvement in symptoms.

Related pages

• Urinary incontinence
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Neurogenic bladder
• Urodynamic testing