Overview
Urinary incontinence affects many women after childbirth and menopause, as well as older men and women. It is not a normal part of ageing that you must live with, and treatment helps most people.
Symptoms
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising (stress incontinence)
- A sudden strong urge to pass urine, with leakage before reaching the toilet (urge incontinence)
- Frequent urination, including at night
- Constant dribbling
Causes and risk factors
Risk factors include pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, menopause, obesity, constipation, an enlarged prostate, prostate surgery, diabetes, stroke and other nerve conditions, and some medicines.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses a history, a bladder diary, urine tests, examination and sometimes bladder pressure tests (urodynamics).
Treatment
Treatment includes pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, weight loss, reducing caffeine, medicines for an overactive bladder, devices and surgery.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if leakage affects your daily life. Seek urgent care for sudden loss of bladder control with back pain or leg weakness.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
