Mixed incontinence is one of the most common forms of urinary incontinence that women face. It is a combination of urge incontinence and stress incontinence. Left untreated, the symptoms of this disorder can greatly disrupt a person’s everyday life.
Dr. Ali Ghomi is a board-certified urogyneologist providing comprehensive testing and treatment for mixed urinary incontinence in women located in and around Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City, and Hackensack. To schedule your mixed incontinence treatment at our urogynecology office in North Jersey, please call (862) 657-3150 or request an appointment through our secure online form.
Request an AppointmentMixed Incontinence Symptoms
Mixed incontinence typically involves symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence. Common signs associated with stress incontinence include:
- Exercise or Heavy Lifting: Physical exertion can place pressure on the bladder, resulting in urine leakage.
- Laughter: Sudden contractions in abdominal muscles during laughter may lead to loss of bladder control.
- Sneezing: The force of a sneeze can trigger leakage due to increased abdominal pressure.
- Sexual Intercourse: Pressure applied during intercourse can contribute to bladder leakage.
When urge incontinence symptoms are also present, a person may experience:
- Sudden Urge to Urinate: A strong, urgent need to urinate that may occur without warning—even when little or no fluid has been consumed recently.
- Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more than eight times in a 24-hour period, often with small or incomplete voids.
- Nighttime Urination: Waking more than twice per night with the need to urinate, disrupting sleep.
Causes of Mixed Incontinence
Mixed incontinence shares underlying causes with both stress and urge incontinence.
Stress incontinence is often linked to pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions that weaken the bladder or pelvic floor muscles.
Urge incontinence, on the other hand, may result from nerve damage—either to the bladder, the nervous system, or as a complication of prior surgery.
Testing for Mixed Incontinence
During an initial consultation, your doctor will review your symptoms—such as frequency of urination, situations that trigger leakage, and the severity of episodes. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Urinalysis: Helps rule out infections like UTIs that can cause similar symptoms.
- Neurological Exam: Used to evaluate possible nerve dysfunction affecting bladder control.
- Post-Void Residual (PVR) Test: Measures how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.
- Cystoscopy: A small camera is inserted into the bladder and urethra to examine structural abnormalities.
Mixed Incontinence Treatment
Treatment typically begins with non-surgical methods. These may include pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. If symptoms persist, additional treatments may be considered.
Medication
Several medications can help relax overactive bladder muscles. Additionally, Botox injections into the bladder may reduce urgency and frequency by blocking nerve signals.
Devices
In more advanced cases where medications and behavioral therapy are not effective, devices may be used:
- Pessary: A supportive ring placed near the urethra to help hold the bladder in position, commonly used in women with weakened pelvic muscles.
- Urethral Inserts: Disposable devices worn during the day to prevent leakage, especially during physical activity.
- Pelvic Floor Electrostimulation: Uses electrical impulses to stimulate pelvic muscles, helping to strengthen the urethral closure mechanism.
Surgery
Surgical treatment is typically reserved for severe cases when other therapies have not provided sufficient relief. A consultation with a specialist can help determine the most appropriate surgical option based on individual needs.
