Mixed Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

If you're struggling with bladder discomfort and leaks, you've probably already done some research on why you're experiencing them. But, in some cases, finding the root cause of your bladder troubles isn't as straightforward as it seems. After all, if you've read up on different types of urinary incontinence and identified symptoms from more than one type, it can be hard to pinpoint what you're dealing with.

Luckily, our team at Jude is here to help. We're serious about your bladder health, which is why we believe education about conditions like mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) should never be overlooked.

Mixed incontinence affects plenty of women all around the world. However, without the right information, it can be difficult to receive a diagnosis. Fortunately, you don't need to worry. We'll equip you with everything you need to know about MUI so that you can play an active role in seeking effective treatment.

What Is Mixed Urinary Incontinence?

Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is a condition that combines the symptoms of two of the most common types of female urinary incontinence. These include stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence.

Since MUI is a combination of stress and urge incontinence, you may experience leaks when there is pressure on your bladder. At the same time, you may feel a strong and sudden urge to run to the loo. This can make it more difficult to control your bladder. So, knowing what each of these bladder issues involves is the first step to finding relief. Generally, mixed incontinence includes the symptoms of:

Stress incontinence symptoms (SI)

Stress incontinence refers to any involuntary leakage that occurs when there is pressure around your abdomen. For example, you may leak urine when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising.

If you have SI, it can be because your pelvic floor muscles aren't strong enough to keep your urethra or your bladder neck closed.

Urge incontinence symptoms

Urge incontinence may cause you to have a really intense or sudden need to pee. Often, you may feel the need to use the bathroom when there isn't much time to reach one.

For instance, you may feel it when you change position on the couch or in bed. Your need to pee may also be triggered by things like running water. And since the urge is so intense, you may not reach the loo in time and therefore experience a leak.

Causes Of Mixed Urinary Incontinence

Mixed incontinence is caused by a variety of factors that also contribute to stress urinary and urge incontinence. So, if you're struggling with MUI, your condition will likely be linked to a mix of the following causes:

Stress incontinence causes

• Weak pelvic floor muscles: Your pelvic floor muscles are essential for supporting your bladder and helping to control urination. When these muscles are weaker, they may be unable to stop urine leakage. This is especially true when there is more pressure on your bladder.

• Pregnancy and childbirth: Our bodies go through plenty of changes during pregnancy and childbirth can put a lot of strain on your body, including your pelvic floor. This can cause the muscles to weaken, resulting in incontinence.

• Ageing or hormonal changes: As you age, your body naturally goes through hormonal changes that can also affect the strength of your pelvic floor muscles. For example, low oestrogen during menopause can cause the tissues in and around your bladder to lose elasticity and strength.

• Surgical procedures: Certain surgeries, like hysterectomies, can impact the support structures around your pelvis. When the nerves, tissue, or muscles around this area are damaged, it can lead to stress urinary incontinence.

Urgency incontinence causes

• Overactive bladder muscles: One of the biggest problems that contribute to urge incontinence is the involuntary contraction of your bladder muscles. When these muscles contract (even when your bladder isn't full), it can cause major discomfort and leaks.

• Neurological conditions: In some cases, conditions like Parkinson's disease can disrupt the signals between your brain and your bladder. As a result, the bladder doesn't function properly and can lead to urine leakage.

• Urinary tract infections: Recurrent UTIs can lead to overactive bladder by causing damage to the bladder lining and making nerves more sensitive. Repeated infections can affect the connection between the brain and the bladder leading to overactivity. This means that the urge to pee remains even after the infection has resolved.

5 Treatment Options For Mixed Urinary Incontinence

While discussing your bladder issues may be uncomfortable, it's important to try and rid yourself of the stigma. After all, there are plenty of women who experience urinary incontinence, which means you aren't alone. Plus, an open discussion on MUI can help you better understand the condition. In turn, you can find the right diagnosis and work with your GP to find a treatment that works for you.

There are also plenty of treatments available, including:

1. Bladder training

Training your bladder can help you avoid unexpected leaks by re-wiring the brain-bladder connection. It can also help to relax your mind and overcome the anxiety you're feeling when you have the sudden need to rush to the loo.

The process involves gradually increasing the time between your trips to the bathroom. For example, if you find yourself needing to pee every half hour, you can start by waiting 45 minutes (or an hour) before you head to the bathroom again. While you wait, you can also practice relaxation or breathing techniques to relieve the pressure you may be feeling.

Remember, you never want to wait too long. If you feel like you can't hold your pee anymore, then it's best to relieve your bladder to avoid unnecessary accidents. Bladder retraining can be tricky, that’s why it is best done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

2. Pelvic floor exercises

One of the biggest causes of stress incontinence is a weakened pelvic floor. Fortunately, there is a way to strengthen these muscles and regain control of your bladder.

Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. And, with enough time and consistency, you can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to prevent leaks.

If you're wondering where to start or you're struggling with Kegels, you can always consult a physiotherapist. They will be able to create a pelvic muscle exercise regime that works for you and your needs.

3. Medications

Sometimes, your GP may need to prescribe certain medications to help manage your symptoms.

Typically, these medications target the bladder muscles and stop them from contracting. When your bladder muscles are relaxed, there's less chance that you'll experience the bladder spasms that cause leaks.

There are plenty of safe and effective medications on the market. However, if you want a natural solution, you may want to consider Jude's bladder care supplements. These supplements are often used in combination with prescription medication and have helped plenty of women with MUI ease their symptoms.

4. Medical devices and procedures

If your urinary incontinence is more severe, your GP or urologist may suggest medical devices or certain procedures to reduce your discomfort. These include:

• Vaginal pessaries: These devices can help provide support for stress incontinence by keeping your bladder and urethra in the correct position.

• Electrical stimulation: This is a non-invasive procedure that involves sending electrical impulses to your pelvic muscles. This helps to strengthen the muscles and improve your bladder control.

• Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS): PTNS uses nerve therapy to reduce overactivity within your bladder. It involves stimulating the tibial nerve near your ankle to influence your bladder function.

• Botox injections: If you struggle with urgency incontinence, botox injections can be used to relax your bladder muscles.

• Surgery: In more extreme cases of urinary incontinence, your doctor may suggest surgery. For example, bladder neck suspension surgery permanently repositions your bladder and urethra, reducing the risk of leaks during physical exertion.

5. Incontinence products

As you're going through your treatments, you may want to find a way to rebuild your confidence. Luckily, managing your urinary incontinence doesn't have to be a chore. Rather, you can ease your mind by using incontinence products.

For example, incontinence pads are easy to use and can keep you dry and comfortable all day. They're also portable, meaning you can take them on the go and change them as needed. So, when you're out and about, you can ensure you're always protected from leaks.

Alternatively, Jude's washable incontinence pants are extremely comfortable and ultra-absorbent. They're also designed to be discreet for all-day use, so you can step out with your head held high and without the worry of accidents.

FAQs

How can I tell the difference between stress incontinence and urge incontinence on my own?

The difference between stress and urge incontinence is usually most evident in what causes your leaks.

• If you experience leaks during physical exertion, you likely have stress urinary incontinence.

• If your need to pee is super sudden and strong, you may be dealing with urge incontinence.

Of course, if you're experiencing both of these bladder troubles, you may have mixed incontinence. If you have any new bladder symptoms you should always see a doctor first to get an accurate diagnosis.

Are there any long-term side effects from using medications to treat mixed incontinence?

The medications used to treat mixed incontinence are usually safe - as long as they're prescribed by a doctor Depending on the medication there are potential side effects, such as dry mouth, or changes to your blood pressure, your GP can advise you on which medications are best suited to you.

Final Thoughts

Mixed incontinence can be stressful to deal with, but it's not a life sentence. Rather, with the right treatment regime and handy incontinence products, you can manage your condition effectively.

For most of us, a comprehensive treatment plan and lifestyle changes can make all the difference. So, if you're ready to change your life and feel like yourself again, then it's time to take your bladder health into your own hands, speak to a doctor and start a treatment plan as soon as possible.

Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.