Urinary incontinence

Need to know

• Symptoms of urinary incontinence icon plus

  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.

• Screening and diagnosis icon plus

  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.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  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.