Anatomical incontinence in women

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Anatomical incontinence in women

Anatomical incontinence is the involuntary release of urine related to structural problems of the urinary tract that affect the urine flow. Anatomical incontinence may be present from birth (congenital).

The main symptom of anatomical incontinence is an almost continual release of urine.

Anatomical incontinence is caused by structural problems in the urinary tract that allow urine to leak past the muscle (sphincter) that retains urine in the bladder. These problems include:

An abnormal passage (fistula) leading from the urethra to another organ of the body.
An abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the wall of the urethra. Urine can become trapped in the pouch and then leak out.
An abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina (vesicovaginal fistula) or between a ureter and the vagina (ureterovaginal fistula).

Treatment of anatomical incontinence concentrates on correcting the structural problem that is interfering with the bladder's retention of urine.

Credits

Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Last Updated	September 22, 2006

Last updated:	September 22, 2006
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Terrina Vail

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