Mixed urinary incontinence, although less known than other types of incontinence, affects many people—especially women. As the name suggests, it’s a combination of two forms of incontinence: most commonly stress incontinence and urge incontinence. This means people with this condition may experience urine leaks both during physical exertion and at unexpected times without control. Our experts explain everything you need to know about this condition.
What Is Mixed Urinary Incontinence?
Mixed urinary incontinence is a combination of two types of incontinence. In most cases, it includes:
- Stress urinary incontinence: leakage that occurs during physical activities like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
- Urge incontinence: a sudden and intense urge to urinate, often resulting in leakage before reaching the restroom.
What causes these symptoms? It often comes down to muscle control. If the muscles supporting the bladder are weakened, urine may leak when pressure is applied. On the other hand, overactive bladder muscles can cause uncontrolled urine release without warning.
What Causes Mixed Urinary Incontinence?
There are several reasons why someone might develop mixed urinary incontinence. These include:
- Physical factors such as weakened pelvic floor muscles due to:
- Childbirth
- Menopause
- Surgery
- Aging, which can weaken muscles and affect bladder and urethral function
- Other contributing factors may include:
- Prostate problems
- Certain medications
- Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
- Urinary tract obstructions
- Bladder disorders such as UTIs or interstitial cystitis may also lead to mixed urinary incontinence.
What Are the Symptoms of Mixed Urinary Incontinence?
The symptoms of mixed urinary incontinence include those of both stress and urge incontinence. You may feel an intense, sudden urge to urinate followed by an involuntary urine leak. You may also experience leakage during activities such as:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Laughing
- Exercising
Keep in mind that symptoms vary between individuals. Some experience more severe symptoms, and the intensity of urinary leaks can also fluctuate daily.
How Is Mixed Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?
If you recognize signs of mixed urinary incontinence, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will likely start with a physical exam and detailed medical history, followed by tests such as:
- Stress test
- Bladder function test
- Urinalysis
- Cystoscopy (to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra)
How Is Mixed Urinary Incontinence Treated?
There are multiple treatment options for mixed urinary incontinence. The best approach depends on:
- Severity of the symptoms
- Underlying cause
- Patient preferences
Adopting Healthy Habits
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as:
- Weight loss if you’re overweight
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing intake of bladder-irritating foods and beverages
Using the Right Incontinence Protection
Urinary protection includes incontinence underwear designed to absorb accidental urine leaks. Octipa leak-proof underwear offers high-performance protection for all flow levels with integrated absorbent layers to wick, absorb, and lock in moisture.
Browse our full collection to find the right style for you.
Strengthening the Pelvic Floor
Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These targeted movements help restore muscle control and are commonly recommended to manage urinary incontinence.
Medications and Surgical Options
Medications can be prescribed to manage mixed urinary incontinence symptoms. In some cases, a surgical intervention may be necessary.
How Does Mixed Urinary Incontinence Affect Daily Life?
Living with mixed urinary incontinence can significantly affect quality of life. This condition can cause both physical and psychological distress, from discomfort and embarrassment to social isolation and anxiety.
Many people feel ashamed or self-conscious, which can harm mental health. Fear of unexpected leaks can also limit participation in social and physical activities and may lead to sleep disturbances due to frequent nighttime urination.
What Support Is Available for People with Mixed Incontinence?
For those dealing with mixed urinary incontinence, support and guidance are essential. Several resources are available, including support groups and healthcare professionals.
Support Groups
Support groups provide a safe space to share experiences, helping to reduce isolation and shame. Advice from people who face similar challenges can help manage incontinence symptoms and improve well-being.
Healthcare Professionals
Don’t hesitate to consult health professionals. They can help develop a personalized treatment plan to manage mixed urinary incontinence.
This may include:
- Targeted exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles
- Dietary tips to reduce bladder irritation
- Education on living with incontinence
Mixed urinary incontinence—a combination of stress and urge incontinence—can have a major impact on daily life. It's important to consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and explore available treatment options.
Support and care are invaluable. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—and solutions do exist to help improve the quality of life for people living with mixed urinary incontinence.