What Is It?
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional leaking of urine. It’s more common than many people realise and can affect both men and women, though it’s more frequent in women — especially after childbirth or later in life. Incontinence ranges from small leaks when coughing or sneezing to a strong urge to go with little time to reach the toilet.
It can be distressing, but it’s often treatable or manageable, and you don’t have to live with it in silence.
What Causes It?
Urinary incontinence can have several causes depending on the type:
- Stress incontinence – Leaking when pressure is put on the bladder (e.g. coughing, laughing, lifting). Often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- Urge incontinence – A sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by leakage. Often due to an overactive bladder.
- Mixed incontinence – A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence – When the bladder doesn’t empty fully, leading to dribbling. May be linked to enlarged prostate or nerve problems.
- Functional incontinence – When physical or mental issues make it hard to reach the toilet in time (e.g. arthritis, dementia).
Other contributing factors may include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Prostate problems in men
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Certain medications
- Obesity
- Chronic coughing or constipation
Common Symptoms
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
- A strong, urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination (more than 8 times a day)
- Waking up several times at night to urinate
- Inability to hold urine long enough to reach the toilet
- Dribbling or a constant feeling of a full bladder
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and type of incontinence but may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Losing excess weight
- Fluid management (not too much or too little)
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
- Strengthen the muscles that support the bladder
- Often guided by a physiotherapist
- Bladder training
- Techniques to gradually increase the time between toilet visits
- Medications
- To relax the bladder in urge incontinence
- Or help with bladder contraction if there’s incomplete emptying
- Devices and aids
- Urethral inserts, vaginal pessaries (for stress incontinence in women)
- Continence pads or products for symptom management
- Surgery (if other treatments haven’t worked)
- Sling procedures or bladder neck suspension
- Artificial urinary sphincter (especially in men)
- Botox injections into the bladder (for overactive bladder)