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Urinary incontinence
LOSS OF BLADDER CONTROL
We offer a number of effective treatments to help with urinary incontinence (the accidental passing of urine)
About urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to the accidental passing of urine. It affects up to 3 million people in the UK, including 15% of women and 5% of men in their mid-40s. Instances of it increase with age.
There are different types of urinary incontinence, from stress to giggle incontinence. Depending on the cause, we offer various effective treatments.
Need to know
There a different types of urinary incontinence, each with their own symptoms.
- Stress incontinence: leaking during periods of abdominal pressure (coughing, sneezing, lifting and straining).
- Urge incontinence: leaking when you feel a sudden urge to pass urine.
- Mixed incontinence: combined stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence: when you're unable to fully empty your bladder.
- Functional incontinence: inability to urine because of brain or mobility disorders.
- Post-micturition dribble: leaking after passing urine.
- Giggle incontinence: leaking after giggling or laughing.
Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to make a diagnosis. They will mostly likely take a urological history to find out what type of incontinence you have. And they may carry out a physical examination, which could include an examination of your abdomen, rectum or vagina. Additional tests may also be carried out, including general blood tests, urine tests and ultrasound scans. Your GP or consultant urologist will explain which tests are right for you.
Depending on the cause, we offer a number of simple yet effective treatments for urinary incontinence. These may include pelvic floor exercises taught by a specialist physiotherapist; lifestyle changes (like reducing caffeine intake); drug treatments; and minimally-invasive surgery, such as tension-free vaginal tape or transobturator tape. Your GP or consultant will explain your treatment options and help you settle on the best approach for you.
Our Urinary incontinence locations
Women’s Health Centre
27 Harley Street W1G 9QP London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.