Overflow or Urinary Retention Incontinence
Overflow / Urinary Retention / Enuresis
Overflow, Urinary Retention, or Enuresis is a involuntary loss of urine without any associated urge to urinate or physical activity. For example- wetting the bed while sleeping. Overflow incontinence is leakage that occurs when the quantity of urine produced exceeds the bladder’s capacity to hold it. This type of incontinence generally develops when a person is unable to empty completely on a regular basis. Patients often complain of persistent dribbling, or urinating small amounts but not feeling empty. Symptoms of overflow incontinence include the continual loss of urine without a sense that the bladder is full. Other symptoms associated with overflow incontinence are an incomplete emptying of the bladder, a slow urine stream, difficulty starting urination or dribbling of urine after urination is complete. The two main types of overflow incontinence or urinary retention are acute urinary retention and chronic urinary retention. Acute urinary retention is a sudden inability to empty the bladder. This is associated with severe discomfort and is a medical emergency. Chronic urinary retention is an inability to empty the bladder completely that develops over time.
Symptoms of Overflow / Urinary Retention / Enuresis
A sense that the bladder does not empty completely
Difficulty initiating urination
Slow, weak, or interrupted urinary stream
Having to urinate multiple times to empty the bladder
Dribbling of urine after completion of urination
Urinary urgency or frequency
Leakage of urine
Recurrent urinary tract infections.
Some women do not experience any symptoms
Cause of Overflow / Urinary Retention / Enuresis
Hypotonic bladder- sometimes referred to as “lazy” or “neurogenic” bladder, does not contract (squeeze) hard enough during urination to empty the bladder completely
Dysfunctional voiding – a condition in which the muscles surrounding the urethra do not relax enough during urination to allow urine to pass freely.
Vaginal prolapsed – will sometimes kink or compress the urethra blocking the passage of urine.
Diagnosis of Overflow / Urinary Retention / Enuresis
Our comprehensive Urodynamic Testing along with a physical exam with Dr. Erhard can help make the diagnosis! We can offer real solutions that will allow you to reclaim your life!
Treatment Options for Overflow / Urinary Retention / Enuresis
Non-surgical treatment options include:
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Vaginal Pessary
Surgical treatment options include:
InterStim™ Therapy
Sling
