Mixed incontinence in Women: What is Mixed Urinary Incontinence?

Mixed incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence that occurs when you’re experiencing both stress incontinence and urge incontinence at the same time.   

These two types of incontinence have different causes and implications, and having both at the same time means you may experience a mix of symptoms. 

You can read more in-depth information about both stress incontinence and urge incontinence on their dedicated articles, in this article we’re going to focus only on mixed incontinence and how it can affect you. 

As mentioned above, mixed incontinence is when you are affected by both stress and urge incontinence. As a result, the symptoms you experience will be a combination of both. 

• Sneezing 

• Laughing 

• Coughing 

• Completing certain movements 

• Lifting 

• After a sudden urge to urinate, often while sleeping, drinking, or even hearing water run. 
  

The causes of mixed incontinence will often mirror those of urge and stress incontinence, as it is a mixture of both these conditions. 

Causes can include: 

• Childbirth and pregnancy 

• Weakened pelvic floor muscles (Kegel muscles) 

• Bladder spasm 

• Nerve damage, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke 

• Surgical trauma 

• Thyroid conditions 

• Various medical conditions such as Parkinson’s or diabetes 

• Some medications 

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) 

• Drinking too much caffeine  

• Prostate problems 

• High impact activities e.g. running long distances 

Diagnosing mixed incontinence will need to be done by a doctor, as there are many variables and tests that need to be done to confirm both urge and stress incontinence are present at the same time. 

One of the most effective steps you can take ahead of seeing a doctor is keeping a detailed bladder diary. This is a record of your urinary habits and any incidents that occur, helping to build a picture of what is happening to your body and helping assist your doctor in their diagnosis. Often a doctor will start with this process, so getting a head start on it could help accelerate the diagnosis process.  

You should record information such as: how often you use the bathroom, when you use the bathroom, any leaks that occur, any pain that occurs, and other potentially useful information about current medical issues or injuries. 

Treatment of mixed incontinence can take many forms depending on your condition and how your symptoms show up, as well as the suspected cause. Doctors may recommend various treatments such as: 

• Medication 

• Electrical stimulation 

• Injections 

• Biofeedback 

• Neuromodulation 

• Vaginal devices such as a Pessary 

• Surgery 

The type of treatment needed will depend on many factors and only a doctor with knowledge of your circumstances should recommend your treatment. 

Another potential treatment for incontinence is strengthening the pelvic floor as this can help to reduce the risk of any type of incontinence and is very easy to do at home. As little as five minutes a day can make a huge difference and significantly reduce the risk of leaks occurring.  

You can also manage the symptoms of mixed incontinence with protective liners, pads or underwear. Visit our products page to find your fit, or try our product selector tool for assistance in finding the right product for you, so you can continue to live with confidence.