Mixed incontinence is experiencing more than one type of urinary incontinence.

Mixed incontinence is one of several different types of urinary incontinence. Patients who are diagnosed with mixed incontinence are typically experiencing symptoms that are associated with both stress and urge incontinence. However, mixed incontinence can involve the ‘mix’ of other types of incontinence such as overflow or functional. Individuals with mixed incontinence may have one component of urinary leakage that predominates, For instance, symptoms associated with urge incontinence may be more bothersome than symptoms associated with stress incontinence. As with any type of urinary incontinence, a thorough evaluation should be conducted to identify symptoms so that the appropriate treatment option can be administered.

Symptoms of mixed incontinence

The symptoms associated with mixed incontinence can be wide ranging depending on the types of incontinence that the patient is experiencing.

• Urge incontinence – Symptoms can include a sudden urge need to urinate, with large amounts of urine loss. Frequent urination may be occurring during the day and throughout the night.
• Stress incontinence – Symptoms can include small amounts of urine leakage initiated by a trigger – such as laughing, coughing or sneezing.
• Overflow incontinence – Having a bladder this is overfilled may be causing leakage. A blockage may be keeping the bladder full and not emptying as designed.
• Functional incontinence – Individuals may experience urinary leakage, or the sudden loss of urine, because they are not able to reach the restroom in time. This functional restriction may be caused by mobility issues, eyesight, mental health conditions, or age.

The release of urine may vary by amount or under certain conditions. Urination may be painful, irritating, or cause a burning sensation depending on several variables.

Evaluation and treatment

When visiting a urology office, the patient will be asked to complete a medical history to be reviewed by their provider. They will also undergo a physical examination and urinalysis. The urologist will also review all of the patient’s symptoms. Additionally, a voiding diary can help the urologist track the patient’s fluid intake, output, urine amounts, and the time of day or night that urination occurs. They may also recommend urodynamic testing to determine how well the bladder is storing and releasing urine.

Depending on their findings, a urologist will be able to identify the types of incontinence involved and recommend a course of treatment. Treatment options may include:

• Behavior / lifestyle modification.
• Dietary changes.
• Pelvic floor exercises / pelvic floor rehabilitation.
• Biofeedback.
• Medications.
• Minimally invasive procedures such as botox injections in the bladder, PTNS, or InterStim Therapy.
• Surgery.
• A combination of the above.

The key to treating mixed urinary incontinence is identifying each type of incontinence that the patient is experiencing. If you have an unexplained, sudden loss or urine, or urinary leakage, contact Urology Austin to schedule an appointment.