Which term describes chronic incontinence caused by muscle or nerve damage?

• A. Urinary Incontinence
• B. Transient Urinary Incontinence
• C. Established Urinary Incontinence
• D. Stress Incontinence

Answer: (C)

Chronic leakage from lasting damage to the muscles or nerves that control continence is described as established urinary incontinence. The term signals a long-standing problem that isn’t reversible by addressing temporary factors. It reflects persistent dysfunction of the continence mechanism, such as damage to the pelvic floor muscles or to neural pathways governing the bladder and sphincter. In contrast, transient urinary incontinence arises from reversible factors like infection, delirium, medication effects, or constipation, and is not the type of lasting impairment described by established urinary incontinence. While stress incontinence is a specific leakage pattern related to pelvic floor or sphincter weakness, the description of lasting nerve or muscle injury fits established urinary incontinence.