Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women
Urinary incontinence (UI)—the involuntary leakage of urine—is far more common than most people realize. Estimates vary, but large reviews report that about 24%–45% of women experience urinary incontinence.
Incontinence also isn’t “one thing.” There are multiple types, and each has different triggers, causes, and best-fit treatments. This guide explains the most common types of incontinence in women, how to recognize them, and what usually helps.
TL;DR
· Stress incontinence: leaks with pressure (cough/laugh/exercise).
· Urgency (urge) incontinence: sudden “gotta go now” urge + leakage before the toilet.
· Overflow incontinence: leakage from an overly full bladder due to poor emptying/retention.
· Mixed incontinence: symptoms of both stress + urgency incontinence.
Quick “Which Type Sounds Like Me?” Finder
Use the pattern that best matches your symptoms:
· Leak with cough/sneeze/laugh/jump/run/lift → Stress incontinence
· Sudden compelling urge that’s hard to defer + leak on the way → Urgency incontinence
· Dribbling, weak/stop-start stream, straining, “never fully empty,” worse at night → Overflow incontinence
· Both pressure leaks AND sudden urge leaks → Mixed incontinence
Key Terms
· Urinary incontinence (UI): involuntary leakage of urine.
· Urgency: a compelling need to urinate that is difficult to defer.
· Overactive bladder (OAB): urgency (with or without leakage), usually with frequency and nocturia.
1) Stress Urinary Incontinence
Definition
Stress urinary incontinence is leakage triggered by increased abdominal pressure—for example coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Common clues
· Predictable triggers (you can often name the exact moment it happens)
· Small-to-moderate leaks during movement, impact, or exertion
Common risk factors (examples)
· Pregnancy and childbirth
· Higher body mass index (BMI)
· Perimenopause/menopause-related tissue changes may contribute (discuss with your clinician)
2) Urgency Urinary Incontinence
Definition
Urgency incontinence is leakage associated with urgency—a sudden, compelling need to urinate that’s hard to defer.
Common clues
· “I had to go right now” sensation
· Leaks before you reach the bathroom
· Often overlaps with overactive bladder symptoms (urgency/frequency/nocturia).
3) Overflow Incontinence
Definition
Overflow incontinence is leakage from an overdistended (overly full) bladder, typically due to poor bladder emptying/urinary retention and/or bladder outlet obstruction.
Common clues
· Frequent dribbling
· Weak or stop-start stream
· Straining to urinate
· Feeling of incomplete emptying
Why it matters
Overflow incontinence is the one type that can be medically risky if caused by significant retention (it can damage the bladder and kidneys). If you suspect overflow symptoms, it’s worth prioritizing evaluation.
4) Mixed Incontinence
Definition
Mixed urinary incontinence is stress + urgency incontinence together (one may be more bothersome than the other).
Common clues
· Leaks with exertion and leaks with sudden urges
· Treatment often focuses first on the most disruptive component
“Other Types” You May See Mentioned
Even though the four above are the big ones, clinicians sometimes use additional categories:
· Functional incontinence: leakage due to physical/cognitive/environmental barriers (can’t get to the toilet in time).
· Transient incontinence: temporary leakage from a short-term trigger (e.g., infection, new medication)—your clinician will look for reversible causes.
How Incontinence Is Typically Evaluated
A clinician often starts with:
· Symptom pattern + triggers (often identifies type)
· Bladder diary (timing, fluids, leaks)
· Urinalysis (rule out infection/blood)
· Post-void residual (PVR) for suspected overflow/retention (how much urine is left after peeing)
Practical Ways to Manage Incontinence
These are common first-line strategies; the right mix depends on the type:
· Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegels or guided PT): often recommended, especially for stress and mixed patterns.
· Fluid timing: avoid chugging large volumes at once; spread fluids through the day.
· Bladder training: often used for urgency/OAB patterns (gradually extending time between voids).
· Caffeine review: caffeine can increase urine production and may worsen urgency/frequency for some people.
· Medication review: some meds can worsen symptoms or contribute to retention/overflow—worth reviewing with your clinician.
Supportive Products for Daily Life
Products don’t “cure” incontinence, but they can protect skin, clothing, bedding, and confidence while you work on treatment.
Common options include:
· Disposable or reusable pads/liners
· Protective underwear
· Underpads for beds/furniture
· Portable urinals (especially helpful for urgency, nighttime trips, travel, or limited mobility)
Boom Home Medical options (for readers who want them)
· Loona Portable Female Urinal: designed for bedside or on-the-go use when reaching a toilet in time is difficult.
· Boom Absorbent Underwear: a reusable option for light bladder leaks.
When to Get Medical Help Quickly
Seek prompt care if you have:
· Trouble urinating, severe lower abdominal fullness, or suspected retention (possible overflow)
· Fever, burning urination, or back pain (possible infection)
· Blood in urine
· New leg weakness/numbness or saddle anesthesia (emergency)
FAQs
How do I know which type I have?
The pattern usually gives the first clue (stress vs urgency vs overflow), and a clinician may confirm with a bladder diary, exam, urine testing, and sometimes post-void residual measurement.
Can I have more than one type?
Yes—mixed incontinence is common and means you have both stress and urgency features.
Is incontinence treatable?
In many cases, yes—most people can reduce symptoms significantly with the right diagnosis and plan (behavioral strategies, pelvic floor therapy, medications or procedures when appropriate).