How to Tell What Kind of Incontinence You Might Have

If you're leaking urine, whether it's a little or a lot, the first step to getting relief is understanding why it's happening. Not all leaks are the same, and not all bodies need the same solution.

Incontinence is a broad term, but most people are dealing with one of two types: stress incontinence or urge incontinence. Some experience a combination of both, known as mixed incontinence. Here's how to tell the difference.

You leak when you move

If you leak during things like coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, or lifting, you're probably dealing with stress incontinence. This type of leaking is triggered by pressure—specifically, a spike in pressure inside your core that your pelvic floor isn’t able to hold back.

This often shows up postpartum, but it also affects people who lift heavy regularly, who’ve had abdominal or pelvic surgery, or who live with chronic constipation. It can happen years after having kids or without ever being pregnant at all.

It’s not always about weak muscles. Sometimes it’s poor timing or lack of support from other parts of your system, like your core and breath mechanics.

You leak when you feel a sudden urge

Urge incontinence is different. The leak usually happens right after a strong, unexpected need to pee. You may feel like your bladder controls you, not the other way around. You might leak while trying to get to the bathroom, even if you just went.

This kind of bladder urgency is often triggered by routine—walking in the door, hearing water running, putting a key in the lock. It’s not about how much urine is in your bladder, it’s about how your body is processing the signal.

This isn’t a strength issue. It’s a coordination issue between your brain, bladder, and pelvic floor.

You deal with both

Mixed incontinence is when you experience symptoms of both types. You might leak with movement, and also have trouble making it to the bathroom in time. If your bladder and your pelvic floor aren’t working together, things can get confusing fast.

What to do next

If you’re not sure what type of incontinence you’re dealing with, track when it happens. Is it tied to activity or urgency? Do you find yourself going to the bathroom “just in case” multiple times a day? Do you avoid movement or exercise because of leaking?

These patterns matter—and they help guide treatment. Most importantly, you don’t need to guess or keep troubleshooting this on your own.

If this sounds familiar, and you’re in or around York or Hanover, PA, we’re here to help you get clear answers and a care plan that actually makes sense.