Overflow Incontinence

What is overflow incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control. Overflow incontinence can be caused by problems that affect the nerves (such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord or brain injuries). It can also be caused by a bladder stone or tumor in the urinary tract that blocks the urethra. Some medicines can also cause or increase overflow incontinence.

Overflow incontinence is usually caused by enlargement of the prostate gland. This is common in older men who have problems with incontinence.

How does it occur?

The prostate gland, about the size and shape of a chestnut, wraps around the urethra between the pubic bone and the rectum, below the bladder.

As many men get older, the inner part of the gland gradually enlarges and compresses the urethra. This makes urination more difficult.

As obstruction from the enlarging prostate gland increases, the bladder may become overactive, causing frequent urges to urinate. The bladder may become infected. As time goes on, the bladder becomes full all the time and the overflow urine dribbles constantly.

Enlargement of the prostate gland occurs in 5 out of 10 men over age 60 and in 8 out of 10 who are over 80.

Nonprescription medicines that relieve symptoms of colds, flu, or allergies can make urination more difficult.

What are the symptoms?

At first, it may be hard to start urinating and the urine may flow in a weak stream. You may have a frequent and urgent need to urinate.

Other symptoms include:

a need to get up during the night to urinate
a burning pain with urination, if infection occurs
a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
constant leaking of urine from a full bladder
the smell of urine on clothes and in the house.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will take a careful medical history and examine you. The exam will include a rectal exam because enlargement of the prostate gland can be felt through the rectum. Your blood and urine will be checked for infection or other problems. You may be referred to a urologist for further investigation and treatment.

How is it treated?

Treatment of overflow incontinence depends on the cause. Bladder training teaches you to empty the bladder on schedule, rather than waiting for the urge. A collecting device can be fitted over the penis. Incontinence pads and undergarments can be very helpful. Catheters can be inserted into the bladder so that it can be mechanically drained on schedule.

If the cause is enlargement of the prostate gland, medicines may be used to shrink the prostate or to relax the muscles. This may be enough to relieve the problem. The obstruction can also be relieved surgically.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow your health care provider's advice for correcting or managing your incontinence.
If you use a special condom and collecting bag, follow your instructions carefully.
If you use incontinence pads for protection, change them regularly.
Keep the groin area clean and as dry as possible.
Arrange your life so you stay within easy reach of a bathroom. Empty your bladder every 2 to 4 hours and before going to bed. Have a night-light and grab bars in your bathroom to help prevent falls. Be willing to ask where the toilet is when you are away from home.
Drink plenty of fluids. Don't try to control urinary incontinence by cutting back on fluids. It won't help and may even be harmful to you. Limit drinking carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages.
Avoid nonprescription medicines that relieve the symptoms of colds, flu, or allergies.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File URI5360F.HTM Release 9.0/2006