How is leaking urine treated?

Leaks with coughing, sneezing, lifting or exercise suggest stress urinary incontinence, while a sudden urge followed by leakage fits overactive bladder more closely. Some people have both patterns. Pelvic-floor dysfunction or pelvic-organ prolapse can also affect bladder control. A clinician may ask about fluids, constipation, childbirth, medicines and urinary infections, and may use a urine test or bladder diary to clarify the pattern.

Pelvic-floor exercises can improve support when taught and practised consistently. Bladder training uses planned toilet trips and gradually lengthens the interval between them. Adjusting caffeine, managing constipation, treating infection and changing fluid timing may reduce episodes. Medicines can be considered for urgency symptoms. If stress leakage persists despite rehabilitation, a mid-urethral sling may be discussed; it is a procedure that supports the urethra during pressure changes.

Arrange an assessment for new or worsening leakage, pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, recurrent infections, difficulty emptying the bladder or a vaginal bulge. Seek urgent care for inability to pass urine, severe back pain with leg weakness or loss of bowel control, or leakage that begins suddenly with neurological symptoms.

Ask which type of leakage you have, whether pelvic-floor physiotherapy or bladder training is suitable, and whether a urine test is needed. If surgery is mentioned, ask about alternatives, recovery, possible complications and how prolapse or urgency symptoms would be managed.