Which type of urinary incontinence is characterized by leakage with increased intraabdominal pressure?

• A. Stress incontinence
• B. Urge incontinence
• C. Overflow incontinence
• D. Functional incontinence

Answer: (A)

Leakage that occurs when intraabdominal pressure rises points to stress incontinence. When you cough, sneeze, laugh, bend, or lift, the pressure inside the abdomen increases, and if the pelvic floor muscles or the urethral sphincter aren’t providing enough support, the urethra can briefly open and urine escapes. This mechanism is about the failure to maintain urethral closure during physical strain.

In contrast, urge incontinence involves leaking because of a sudden, strong bladder contraction and isn’t specifically tied to rises in abdominal pressure. Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder empties incompletely or not at all, resulting in dribbling, often with a distended bladder. Functional incontinence is due to an inability to reach the toilet in time because of mobility or cognitive issues rather than a bladder- or sphincter-related problem.