What characterizes overflow incontinence?

Overflow incontinence is primarily characterized by an unpredictable dribbling of urine or a weak urine stream. This condition occurs when the bladder is unable to fully empty, leading to an accumulation of urine. When the bladder becomes overfilled, small amounts of urine may leak out, which can present as dribbling between voids. The weak stream can result from a persistent obstruction or functional issues that limit the ability of the bladder to contract effectively.

In contrast, the inability to sense the bladder is full refers more to neurological causes that may be associated with certain types of incontinence but not specifically to overflow. Stress-related bladder control issues are linked to increased intra-abdominal pressure causing leakage during activities like coughing or sneezing, rather than the bladder's inability to hold or empty properly. Lastly, the frequent and urgent need to urinate is more indicative of urgency incontinence, which is distinct from overflow incontinence.

Thus, recognizing the specific characteristic of dribbling and a weak stream is key in identifying overflow incontinence and differentiating it from other types.