Coughing, sneezing, or laughing increases pressure on the bladder neck and causes which type of incontinence?

The type of incontinence that occurs when activities such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing increase pressure on the bladder neck is known as stress incontinence. This condition is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine that happens when there is an increase in abdominal pressure, which is often triggered by physical activities or exertion. The pelvic floor muscles and supporting structures around the bladder are weakened, leading to a lack of support for the bladder neck during these activities.

In contrast, urge incontinence is related to a strong, sudden urge to urinate, often accompanied by involuntary leakage. Pressure incontinence is not a recognized term in medical literature; thus, focusing on commonly defined types is essential. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder becomes overly full, leading to leakage, typically due to neurological issues or obstruction, which differs significantly from the mechanism of stress incontinence.