Both these conditions are types of incontinence that have different characteristics and causes, but both can however be embarrassing and can limit one’s range of activities and so on.

IncontinenceUrge incontinence is also known as Overactive Bladder and is the loss of urine associated with the urgent need to urinate.

This kind of incontinence could be triggered by certain situations (what is known as the key-in-the-lock in incontinence) such as running water, changing position, chilly conditions and sometimes with no warning of provocation at all.

That unstoppable feeling, when you have to go; having to go frequently during the day and night are what characterize an overactive bladder.

Stress incontinence is considerably different form urge incontinence in that it doesn’t occur due to an unstoppable urge to urinate.

Rather it is an involuntary loss of urine caused by pressure in the abdomen that different activities could cause – sneezing, coughing, lifting something heavy, exercising, jumping and so on can all bring about some urine leakage, which is the characteristic of stress incontinence.

The causes for both these conditions are also different – while an overactive bladder is caused by the over-activity of the detrusor muscles contracting the bladder inappropriately and more often than required, stress incontinence occurs due to weak urethral sphincter or pelvic floor muscles that are unable to withstand certain activities.

Some treatments can work to alleviate both conditions, however generally speaking, for stress incontinence, Kegel exercises, vaginal cones and certain alternative therapies like biofeedback could work. For urge incontinence, electrical stimulation and bladder training may work.

If you are in doubt as to what kind of incontinence you have, stress incontinence or urge incontinence, this Overactive Bladder Questionnaire devised by Web MD could help you find out what condition your symptoms typify. Symptoms, treatment and lifestyle tips for managing the condition may also help.