Explanation:
There are several types of urinary incontinence, each with distinct causes and characteristics:
1. **Stress Incontinence**:
- **Dysfunction**: This occurs when physical movement or activity—such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise—puts pressure (stress) on the bladder, causing urine to leak. It often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles or a weakened urinary sphincter.
2. **Urge Incontinence**:
- **Dysfunction**: Also known as overactive bladder, this type is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. It can be caused by bladder muscle contractions that occur even when the bladder isn't full, and it may be linked to neurological disorders, infections, or bladder irritants.
3. **Overflow Incontinence**:
- **Dysfunction**: This occurs when the bladder doesn't empty properly, leading to overflow and leakage. It can result from a blocked urethra, weak bladder muscles, or nerve damage that affects bladder control. Conditions like diabetes, spinal cord injuries, or an enlarged prostate can contribute to overflow incontinence.
4. **Functional Incontinence**:
- **Dysfunction**: This type occurs when a person is unable to reach the toilet in time due to physical or mental impairments. It is not caused by bladder dysfunction but by external factors such as mobility issues, cognitive impairments, or environmental barriers.
5. **Mixed Incontinence**:
- **Dysfunction**: This involves a combination of more than one type of incontinence, typically stress and urge incontinence. The dysfunctions overlap, causing symptoms of both conditions.
6. **Reflex Incontinence**:
- **Dysfunction**: This type occurs when the bladder muscle contracts and urine leaks without any warning or urge. It is often due to neurological impairment or damage to the nerves that control the bladder, such as in spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis.