Urinary incontinence
When to make a doctor’s appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Interferes with daily tasks
- Causes embarrassment or social withdrawal
Self-care
Self-care may include pelvic floor exercises, avoiding caffeine, wearing absorbent undergarments, or bladder retraining involving gradually increasing time until urination.
When to seek immediate medical care
See a doctor immediately if:
- Sudden onset
- Additional urinary symptoms
- Excessive thirst and a frequent need to urinate
When to make a doctor's appointment
Make an appointment to see a doctor if:
- Interferes with daily tasks
- Causes embarrassment or social withdrawal
Overview
Urinary incontinence has various causes. Some foods, drinks and medicines can cause short-term symptoms. Longer term symptoms can be due to changes in the body, such as pregnancy and menopause, or health problems, such as bladder stones and enlarged prostate. Risk factors for incontinence include aging and smoking tobacco.
Symptoms
Many people with urinary incontinence sometimes have minor leaks of urine when they cough or sneeze. People with more-serious symptoms may lose small to medium amounts of urine more often. The urge to pee may be so strong and sudden that a person can't get to the bathroom in time.
Treatments
Changes to diet and bathroom habits can ease urinary incontinence symptoms. So can exercises that strengthen the muscles that help control urination. Some people also benefit from medicines, medical devices or surgery. If another health problem causes urinary incontinence, treating that problem could ease incontinence symptoms.
