Stress incontinence
The most common form in women. It is characterised by an involuntary loss of urine during physical activity such as coughing, sneezing, laughing; any form of sport, walking and lifting, and in severe cases even climbing stairs or raising oneself from a lying position. The leakage is not preceded by a urge to urinate.
Urge incontinence
Also known as overactive bladder and is more common in men than in women. Urge incontinence is characterised by a sudden need to urinate which is very difficult to suppress, despite the bladder not being full. It will usually lead to small amounts of urine leaking out if the toilet cannot be reached in time, and places a considerable burden on sufferers by occurring without provocation at frequent intervals during both the day and night.
Combination of stress and urge incontinence
A common form combining symptoms of both forms described above, which affects every third incontinent woman.