Which type of incontinence occurs when coughing or sneezing?

• A. Urge incontinence
• B. Functional incontinence
• C. Stress incontinence
• D. Overflow incontinence

Answer: (C)

Stress incontinence occurs when a rise in intra-abdominal pressure—such as coughing or sneezing—causes urine to leak because the pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter can’t maintain a seal. When you cough or sneeze, the abdomen pushes against the bladder, and if the support structures around the urethra are weakened (common after childbirth, with aging, or in obesity), the urethra cannot stay closed, letting urine escape even if the bladder isn’t full.

This contrasts with urge incontinence, where leakage occurs from a sudden, strong urge to void due to detrusor (bladder muscle) overactivity. Functional incontinence refers to leakage resulting from an inability to get to the bathroom in time, often due to mobility or cognitive issues. Overflow incontinence involves continuous dribbling from a bladder that is overfilled or not emptying properly, usually from obstruction or impaired detrusor function.