Adult incontinence
Adult incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine, affects more than 13 million
Americans. It can range from leaking a few drops when you cough, laugh or sneeze
to constant dribbling to having the entire bladder empty without warning. To avoid
embarrassment, many people with this condition choose to stay home, missing valuable
social contacts that are part of a good quality of life.
Fortunately, you can get help at the Center for Rehab & Wellness.
To schedule an appointment, call 507-455-7631 or 1-888-700-5870 (extension 7631). Our clinical services are available with a referral from a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner. As part of Owatonna Hospital, we are a Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Provider.
Identifying the cause
In most cases, adult incontinence can be cured or improved. The most important step is to talk with your doctor. Once your doctor identifies the cause, then you can begin the treatment that’s right for you.
Adult incontinence may be caused by urinary tract infection, vaginal infection, constipation, side effects of medications, weakness of the muscles that hold the bladder in place, weakness of bladder, weakness of urinary sphincter, urinary obstruction (often the prostate in men), hormonal imbalances (women), neurologic disorders, or immobility.
Types of incontinence
People can experience one or more of these types of adult incontinence:
- Stress incontinence - People who have stress incontinence may leak urine
when they sneeze, cough, laugh, move or exercise in a certain way.
- Urge incontinence - People with urge incontinence may leak urine as soon
as they feel the need to go to the bathroom, on the way to the bathroom, after
drinking liquids, or when hearing or seeing running water.
- Overflow incontinence - People with overflow incontinence feel as though
they never empty their bladder all the way, pass a little urine without feeling
the need to go or pass urine after they just went. In men, it may be a sign of
prostate problems.
Treatments available
Once the cause and type of adult incontinence is found, treatment can begin. Adult incontinence can be treated through
behavioral training, medication or surgery.
Behavioral treatment includes biofeedback, muscle stimulation, pelvis floor exercises, scheduled voiding, and relaxation/distraction techniques.
 Back to Center for Rehab & Wellness
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Owatonna Hospital
903 S. Oak Ave.
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-451-3850
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Source: Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville, MD, "Overview: Urinary Incontinence in Adults, Clinical Practice Guideline Update," March 1996 (www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uiovervw.htm)
First published: 08/02/2002
Last updated: 06/14/2007
Reviewed by: Linda Hoffman, certified occupational therapist, manager of Owatonna Hospital's Center for Rehab & Wellness
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