Urinary Incontinence Basics

Urinary incontinence is leaking of urine that you can't control. Many people in the United States suffer from urinary incontinence. It prevents adults and children from living the life they want. The fear of being far from a bathroom can limit choices about work and many other things. They may be embarrassed, or they may think nothing can be done. So they suffer in silence.

There are two main types:

• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is when a small to moderate amount of urine is released, without control. This happens when you cough, sneeze or laugh.
• Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI) or Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a sudden, uncontrollable need to pass urine and leaks may be moderate to large.

Many people think urinary incontinence is just part of getting older. But it's not. And it can be managed or treated. Talk to your doctor to find out what treatment is best for you.

The below resources can be used to help you learn more basic information about urinary incontinence.

Stress Urinary Incontinence: What You Should Know Fact Sheet
Overactive Bladder: Managing OAB at Work and on the Go

Overactive Bladder FAQs Fact Sheet
Stress Urinary Incontinence FAQs Fact Sheet

Overactive Bladder Podcast
Stress Urinary Incontinence Podcast

For more detailed, in-depth information about urinary incontinence, view the below resources.

Stress Urinary Incontinence Patient Guide
Overactive Bladder Patient Guide