Overflow incontinence
What is overflow incontinence?
Overflow incontinence is when the bladder is unable to empty properly and frequent leakage of small amounts of urine occurs as a result.
Signs that your bladder is not completely emptying include:
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feeling that you need to strain to pass urine
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a weak or slow urine stream
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feeling as if your bladder is not empty just after going to the toilet
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little or no warning when you need to pass urine
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passing urine while asleep
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frequent urinary tract infections or cystitis, and
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'dribbling' more urine after visiting the toilet.
What causes overflow incontinence?
There are several possible causes for overflow incontinence. These include:
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a urethra blockage caused by a full bladder (the full bladder can put pressure on the urethra, making it difficult to pass urine)
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an enlarged prostate
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a prolapse of pelvic organs which can block the urethra
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damage to the nerves that control the bladder, urethral sphincter or pelvic floor muscles
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diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke or Parkinson's disease (these conditions can interfere with the sensation of a full bladder and with bladder emptying), and
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some medications (which can interfere with bladder function) including over the counter medications and herbal products.
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