What is Mixed Incontinence? | iDiaper

Mixed incontinence is when you experience both stress incontinence and urge incontinence at the same time. That means you may leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift something heavy, but you may also feel sudden, strong urges to urinate that are hard to control.

Since it combines two types of bladder control issues, mixed incontinence can be especially tough. The good news is there are many ways to manage it – with the right knowledge, treatment options and incontinence products, you can get your confidence and quality of life back.

Mixed Incontinence

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence happens when pressure is applied to the bladder, often during physical activities. Everyday actions like exercising, laughing, sneezing, or lifting groceries can cause urine leakage. This is usually due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or changes in the body after childbirth, surgery, or menopause.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence, sometimes called overactive bladder, is when you suddenly feel a very strong need to urinate, and you may not make it to the bathroom in time. It’s often linked to bladder muscle overactivity, nerve problems, or conditions like diabetes and neurological disorders.

Mixed incontinence combines both. For example, you might leak when you laugh at a joke, but also feel the urge to take bathroom trips several times a day or night.

What Causes Mixed Incontinence?

Weak Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and urethra. When they weaken, it’s harder to control urine flow during normal activities like laughing or exercising. Aging, pregnancy, or surgery are the most common reasons why pelvic floor muscles lose strength over time.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can greatly affect bladder control. Lower estrogen levels cause the tissues around the bladder and urethra to thin and weaken. Many women experience more frequent leaks or bladder discomfort.

Nerve Damage

Healthy nerves help the bladder and brain work together to control when to hold or release urine. When nerve pathways are damaged, these signals may not function properly, and you may leak or have strong urges. Conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries often cause nerve-related bladder issues.

Chronic Pressure on the Bladder

Too much ongoing pressure on the bladder can weaken its ability to hold urine. Factors like obesity, heavy lifting, or persistent coughing from conditions like asthma or bronchitis put pressure on the bladder muscles. Over time, this repeated strain increases the risk of leaks and incontinence.

Medical Conditions or Medications

Some medical conditions can irritate the bladder or make it harder to control. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and other health issues often trigger unexpected leaks. Medications like diuretics, which increase urine output, can also worsen symptoms of mixed incontinence.

Symptoms of Mixed Incontinence

Since mixed incontinence is a blend of both stress and urge incontinence, symptoms vary but may include:

• Leakage when sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising

• Sudden strong urges to urinate that are hard to control

• Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
  
  

• Feeling like you must always plan for bathroom access
  
  

• Worrying about accidents in public or while traveling

If you notice a mix of these symptoms, it’s worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.

How is Mixed Incontinence Diagnosed?

Getting the right diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment. Your healthcare provider may use:

• Medical history and physical exam: Reviewing symptoms, past surgeries, childbirth history, and medications

• Bladder diary: Tracking how much you drink, how often you urinate, and when leaks happen

• Urine tests: To rule out infections or other conditions

• Bladder function tests (urodynamics): Measuring how your bladder fills and empties

• Pelvic exam: To check for muscle weakness or tissue changes

Treatment Options for Mixed Incontinence

Because mixed incontinence combines both stress and urge incontinence, treatment usually takes a multi-step approach. The goal is to manage leaks, strengthen bladder control, and make daily life more comfortable. 

Below are some of the most common and effective treatment options your doctor may recommend.

1. Lifestyle Adjustments

Making small lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of mixed incontinence. Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners can prevent unnecessary triggers. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated without overdoing it, and quitting smoking can ease pressure on the bladder and reduce leaks.

2. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, strengthen the muscles that support your bladder and urethra. When practiced regularly, they can help reduce leaks caused by stress incontinence. Many people notice real improvements in bladder control after committing to these exercises.

3. Bladder Training

Bladder training is a method that helps you gain more control over your bathroom schedule. By gradually increasing the time between trips to the toilet, you can train your bladder to hold more urine. Over time, this helps reduce both urgency and frequency.

4. Medications

In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help manage mixed incontinence. These medicines work by relaxing the bladder muscles or reducing bladder spasms. This can ease urgency symptoms and make daily life more comfortable.

5. Physical Therapy and Devices

Physical therapy guided by a specialist can strengthen the pelvic floor and improve bladder control. Devices such as pessaries can also provide support to the bladder and urethra. These options are especially helpful for people who need extra assistance beyond exercises alone.

6. Surgery

When symptoms are more severe and other treatments do not work, surgery may be considered. Procedures such as urethral slings provide extra support to the urethra, reducing stress incontinence leaks. Surgery is usually recommended only after trying other methods first.

Managing Mixed Incontinence with the Right Products

While you work with your healthcare provider on treatments, the right incontinence products can help you stay dry, comfortable, and confident throughout the day and night. At iDiaper.com, we offer a wide range of incontinence products for men, women, and youth, including:

• Adult diapers and briefs for moderate to heavy incontinence
  
  

• Protective underwear for discreet all-day protection
  
  

• Incontinence pads and guards for lighter leaks or added security
  
  

• Underpads and mattress pads for overnight or at-home protection

Recommended Products for Mixed Incontinence

Here are some great options to consider:

1. Tranquility Bariatric Disposable Brief – MADE IN USA

The Tranquility Bariatric Disposable Brief fits waist sizes from 64 to 96 inches. Its breathable stretch side panels provide flexibility while maintaining a secure fit. With strong absorbency, it ensures reliable protection for extended use.

Learn More About Tranquility Bariatric

2. Tranquility Essential Breathable Briefs – Heavy – MADE IN USA

These heavy absorbency briefs are designed with a soft, cloth-like backing for all-day comfort. They offer excellent leakage control for those with moderate to heavy incontinence. The breathable design also helps maintain skin integrity.

Learn More About Tranquility Essential Briefs

3. Tranquility Essential Underwear – Moderate – MADE IN USA

This protective underwear is a discreet option for everyday incontinence needs. It provides moderate absorbency, making it suitable for light bladder leaks. It's comfortable, and it has an underwear-like fit that helps users feel more confident during daily activities.

Learn More About Tranquility Essential Underwear

4. Tranquility Cleansing Wipes – MADE IN USA

These large 9x13-inch cleansing wipes are ideal for adult use, providing gentle yet thorough cleaning. They are soft on the skin yet strong enough for effective hygiene care. Tranquility Cleansing Wipes are also convenient for caregivers and daily use.

Learn More About Tranquility Cleaning Wipes

5. Tranquility Heavy-Duty Underpad – MADE IN USA

The Tranquility Heavy-Duty Underpad provides reliable bed and furniture protection. Its strong absorbency helps keep surfaces dry and clean, even during heavy leaks. These underpads are durable and designed for overnight or extended protection.

Learn More About Tranquility Underpad

6. Tranquility Male Guard – MADE IN USA

The Tranquility Male Guard is tailored specifically for male anatomy, providing targeted protection where it’s needed most. Its absorbent design keeps leaks contained and helps maintain skin comfort. The discreet shape makes it easy to wear under regular clothing.

Learn More About Tranquility Male Guard

7. Tranquility Personal Care Pad – MADE IN USA

This personal care pad offers high absorbency for reliable bladder leak protection. It is designed to be discreet, comfortable, and easy to use. With soft materials and a secure fit, it gives confidence for everyday wear.

Learn More About Tranquility Personal Care

All these products are designed to provide comfort, protection, and peace of mind—giving you more freedom to enjoy your day without worry.

Living with Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence may feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone—and it is treatable. With the right medical care, daily habits, and incontinence products, you can regain control and confidence.

At iDiaper, we understand the challenges of managing bladder leaks. That’s why we offer a wide selection of high-quality incontinence products to fit every lifestyle and level of need. Whether you’re looking for discreet pads, absorbent briefs, or overnight protection, we’re here to help you find the best solution.

Take the first step toward comfort and confidence today—because managing incontinence is not just about protection, it’s about living life without limits.