What does mixed incontinence refer to?

Mixed incontinence refers specifically to a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence. This condition often occurs in individuals who experience both involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising (stress incontinence), as well as a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate, which can lead to leakage if a restroom is not available (urge incontinence). Understanding that mixed incontinence is not a standalone type, but rather a blend of two distinct mechanisms of urinary loss helps in tailoring appropriate treatment strategies, which may involve pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical interventions based on the predominant type of incontinence exhibited by the patient.