Incontinence is when you cannot control when you urinate. Incontinence can be caused by stress or an urge, or both. Stress incontinence refers to unintentional leakage of urine caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy. Urge incontinence refers to unintentional leakage right after feeling a sudden urge to urinate. Mixed incontinence is a combination of the two.

Rarity: Common

Symptoms

Waking up regularly to urinate at night
Recurring problem with leaking urine
Sudden urges to urinate
Urges to urinate during exertion or heavy breathing

Treatment

You can safely treat mixed urinary incontinence on your own before seeking a doctor.

Try using the bathroom at regular intervals to minimize leaking
Do Kegel exercises regularly to strengthen muscles involved in urine control.
If symptoms persist, a doctor may be able to suggest some medications or procedures.

See all treatment options

Buoy's medical team has found the best treatments for your condition and symptoms. While it starts with home treatments, you may also need to have a virtual or in-person visit with a healthcare provider, get a prescription, or consider other treatment options.

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Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...

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