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Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center

Incontinence & OAB Overview

Stress incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) are the main causes of incontinence. Stress incontinence, which is more common in women, causes urine to leak when you laugh or cough. Overactive bladder, also called urge incontinence, is caused by urinary muscle spasms that cause an urgency to urinate. Incontinence can also be caused by multiple pregnancies, being overweight, and genetic weaknesses.

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Symptoms

The main symptom of urinary incontinence is a problem controlling urination.

  • Symptoms of stress incontinence:
    • Involuntary release of urine, especially when you cough, sneeze, or laugh
    • Leaking a small to moderate amount of urine
  • Symptoms of urge incontinence:
    • Frequent and sudden uncontrollable need to urinate
    • May leak a moderate to large amount of urine, although a small amount is possible
Symptoms

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