Overflow incontinence is a symptom which both men and women can experience as a result of other underlying medical conditions. Millions of women experience involuntary loss of urine called urinary incontinence which can range from a few drops to a large amount. Women experience urinary incontinence twice as often as men but overflow incontinence is more common in men secondary to an underlying benign prosthetic hypertrophy.
Depending upon the underlying medical condition the symptom of overflow incontinence is caused by the inability of the bladder to completely empty each time an individual urinates. Small amounts of urine left inside the bladder leads to irritation of the bladder wall which can result in contractions of the bladder wall and urinary incontinence. While urinary incontinence is more prevalent in women overflowing continence is more prevalent in men.
Individuals who are suffering from overflowing continence feel as though the bladder is never empty and often have to get up during the night to urinate. At times they are unable to urinate even when they feel the urge to go. At other times urine will continue to dribble from the urethra, even after they have stopped voiding.
The most common underlying medical condition which leads to overflow incontinence is benign prosthetic hypertrophy or BPH, in men. Other conditions that lead to this condition and can occur in both men and women include tumors, neurogenic bladder and urinary stones.
Men who are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy have an enlarged prostate gland. The prostate is located directly underneath the bladder, in front of the rectum and wraps around the urethra. When the gland becomes enlarged it obstructs the passage of urine and leads to stretching of the bladder wall. As time passes this condition causes the bladder wall to weaken significantly, causing overflow incontinence because it is unable to empty sufficiently.
Tumors and urinary stones can also block the urethra and cause similar problems as benign prostatic hyperplasia. When any of these three conditions are diagnosed early and treatment has been initiated, the potential for elimination of overflow incontinence rises dramatically.
Neurogenic bladder is also associated with overflow incontinence but is caused by the lack of sensation of bladder fullness because of damage to the sacral nerves. This damage results in a lack of sensation or a lack in the sense of urge to urinate. As the bladder continues to stretch it reaches a point beyond which it is unable to hold urine any longer and overflowing continence results. Neurogenic bladder can be the result of specific types of surgery, spinal cord injury, birth defects or tumors. Unfortunately, it is also a complication of several other diseases, including diabetes and polio.
In some cases the overflow is so great that the individual believes that they are actually urinating and having urinary incontinence but completely emptying their bladder. This is because they have lost sensation in the bladder and do not recognize that it continues to be full. A bladder which remains full of urine is at higher risk for developing urinary tract infections and kidney infections.
Individuals who suffer from a neurogenic bladder must have specific treatment regimens which include consistent emptying of the bladder, often times using catheterization. Only by consistently emptying the bladder completely will the overflow incontinence be eliminated in the risk of infection decreased.
Individuals who suffer from tumors, urinary stones and benign prostatic hyperplasia must have their underlying medical conditions addressed before overflow incontinence can be eliminated.
A urologist or primary care physician will identify the type and severity of the overflowing continence as well as the underlying medical condition which has caused this symptom. Depending upon the information which they gain from a medical history and thorough physical examination, several diagnostic procedures may be recommended for a more accurate diagnosis and to enable a urologist to develop an effective treatment plan.
If you believe that you or someone you love suffers from overflowing continence it is important that they seek the advice of their primary care physician in order to decrease the risk that they will suffer bladder infections and kidney infections. These infections, left untreated, can lead to significant damage to the urinary tract system, especially the kidneys.
RESOURCES
Mayoclinic: Urinary Incontinence
University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Incontinence – Overflow Incontinence
National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Incontinence in Women
University of Chicago Medical Center: Female Incontinence
Continence Foundation of Australia: Overflow Incontinence