Differential Diagnosis for Chronic Intermittent Urinary Incontinence
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): This condition is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine on effort or exertion, or on sneezing or coughing, which matches the patient's symptoms. It is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women, especially after childbirth and menopause.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Mixed Urinary Incontinence (MUI): This condition combines symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. Patients may experience leakage with coughing or sneezing, as well as urgency and frequency.
- Overactive Bladder (OAB): While primarily associated with urgency, frequency, and nocturia, some patients with OAB may experience urge incontinence that could be triggered by the increased abdominal pressure from coughing or sneezing.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This condition can cause urinary incontinence due to the displacement of pelvic organs, which may lead to symptoms similar to those of stress urinary incontinence, especially if the prolapse affects the urethra.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Neurogenic Bladder: Although less common, neurogenic bladder due to conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or diabetes can cause a variety of urinary symptoms, including incontinence. Missing this diagnosis could lead to significant morbidity if not properly managed.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Pyelonephritis: While UTIs are more commonly associated with dysuria, frequency, and urgency, in some cases, especially in older adults or those with underlying medical conditions, they can present with incontinence. Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney, can also cause systemic symptoms and, if untreated, can lead to severe consequences.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fistula: A vesicovaginal fistula, which is an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina, can cause continuous urinary incontinence. While it might not perfectly match the intermittent pattern described, it's a rare condition that could potentially present with variable symptoms depending on its size and location.
- Causes of Secondary OAB or SUI: Certain medications, medical conditions (like Parkinson's disease), or previous surgeries can lead to or exacerbate urinary incontinence. These are less common but should be considered, especially if the patient's history suggests such factors.