Quick answer
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence means leaking urine unintentionally. Stress incontinence happens with coughing or exercise; urge incontinence involves a sudden hard-to-control need to pee. It is common but not something you must simply accept—pelvic-floor training, bladder training and other treatments can help.
Types of bladder leakage
Stress leakage follows pressure such as coughing, laughing or exercise. Urge leakage follows a sudden need to pee. Overflow incontinence can occur when the bladder does not empty properly. Some people have more than one type.
Assessment
A GP may ask about fluids, medicines, bowel habits and childbirth, test a urine sample and request a bladder diary. Further examination or referral depends on symptoms.
Treatment
Options include pelvic-floor muscle training, bladder training, treating constipation, weight management, medicines and specialist procedures. Pads can help day to day but do not replace assessment.
Common questions about urinary incontinence
- Is urinary incontinence a normal part of ageing?
- It becomes more common with age but should still be assessed because treatment often improves it.
- Do pelvic-floor exercises work?
- They are a first-line treatment for stress and mixed incontinence when performed correctly and regularly, often with professional guidance.
- Should I drink less water?
- Severely restricting fluid can worsen constipation and irritate the bladder. A clinician can advise on a suitable intake and caffeine reduction.