Understanding Incontinence: Causes, Types, and Myths Debunked

What Is Incontinence?

Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. It can range from minor leaks to significant voids, affecting millions of people worldwide. It can feel like an unfair opponent: disrupting your daily life, causing frustration, and sometimes making you feel powerless. It’s okay to acknowledge the challenges — it’s the first step toward overcoming them.

Light vs. Heavy Incontinence: What’s the Difference?

Light

Sporadic, minor leaks often triggered by physical activity, sneezing, or laughing.

Heavy

Frequent, uncontrolled leaks that may require higher-absorbency protection. This category includes Heavy Bladder Leakage, as well as bowel incontinence, which typically requires more robust solutions for reliable protection day and night.

Five Types of Incontinence

Understanding the different types of incontinence is the first step toward effective management. Knowing what you’re dealing with can motivate you to seek solutions, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward better management.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Leaks occur due to pressure on the bladder, often from sneezing, laughing, or exercising. This is commonly caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)

A sudden, intense need to urinate, often followed by leaks.

Overflow Incontinence

Difficulty emptying the bladder fully, leading to consistent dribbling or leaks.

Functional Incontinence

Physical or cognitive challenges prevent timely access to a restroom.

Mixed Incontinence

A combination of two or more types, such as stress and urge incontinence.

Common Incontinence Myths (and Facts)

Unfortunately, misinformation can prevent people from seeking medical help as soon as they should. Here are three common myths (and the truth) about incontinence.

Myth #1: Only older adults experience incontinence.

Fact: Incontinence can affect individuals of any age due to medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or pregnancy.

Myth #2: Incontinence is rare and abnormal.

Fact: Incontinence affects over 33 million Americans — roughly 10% of the population. It’s common, often treatable, and manageable.

Myth #3: Incontinence products are bulky and obvious.

Fact: Modern incontinence products like NorthShore’s are discreet, comfortable, and highly effective, offering reassuringly strong protection and renewed confidence.

When to Seek Help for Symptoms

If symptoms start interfering with daily life, such as interrupting sleep, causing discomfort, or leading to skin irritation, it’s time to consult a medical professional. Incontinence is common, but it doesn’t have to be a “normal” or inevitable part of life.

“Incontinence is very common, often treatable, and regardless, very manageable.”

You’re Not Alone: Expert Support Makes a Difference

Understanding incontinence is an important first step, but finding the right support is what helps people truly take back control. Whether you’re managing light leaks or Heavy Bladder Leakage, the right products and guidance can make daily life feel easier, more comfortable, and more predictable.

Want to try before you buy? NorthShore’s Sample Program lets you try up to six incontinence products at home (just pay shipping), so you can feel confident in the fit, comfort, and absorbency before committing.

At NorthShore, incontinence care goes beyond products. Our Customer Care Experts are real people who take the time to listen, answer questions, and provide judgment-free guidance. They’re trained to help you understand your symptoms, compare protection options, and build a personalized solution that fits your lifestyle and daily needs. If you’d prefer not to navigate the process alone, they can also place sample orders for you and help ensure you’re trying the right products from the start.

Contact us online or call/text anytime at 800-563-0161.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is incontinence?

A: Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. It can range from minor leaks to significant voids and affects millions of people worldwide.

Q: What is the difference between heavy and light incontinence?

A: Light incontinence is sporadic, minor leaks often triggered by physical activity, sneezing, or laughing. Heavy incontinence is frequent or uncontrollable leaks, often requiring specialized products to manage daily and nightly symptoms. (Bowel incontinence is typically categorized as heavy.)

Q: Is incontinence rare or abnormal?

A: Not at all. Incontinence affects over 33 million Americans, roughly 10% of the population. It’s common, often treatable, and manageable.

Q: Are there different types of incontinence?

A: Yes, there are 5 different types of incontinence. These include Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder), Overflow Incontinence, Functional Incontinence, and Mixed Incontinence, which is a combination of two or more types.

Q: When do I seek help for incontinence symptoms?

A: If symptoms start interfering with daily life—such as interrupting sleep, causing discomfort, or leading to skin irritation—it’s time to consult a medical professional. While very common, incontinence does not have to be a “normal” part of life.