What are the treatment options for stress urinary incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence is leakage when pressure on the bladder rises, such as with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or exercise. A clinician considers the pattern of leakage, childbirth and surgery history, medications, and other urinary symptoms before recommending care.

Urodynamic Testing may be suggested when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are mixed, or surgery is being considered. It assesses how the bladder and urethra store and release urine; it does not replace a discussion of your symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Exercises build control around the urethra when practised correctly and consistently. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help you identify the right muscles, avoid bearing down, and adapt exercises to your body. Managing constipation, reducing triggers that worsen leakage, and choosing suitable activity can complement training.

If leakage continues despite conservative care, a specialist may discuss a Mid-Urethral Sling. This procedure supports the urethra during sudden pressure changes. Ask about expected recovery, possible complications, and alternatives before deciding.

Arrange prompt assessment for blood in the urine, fever, burning with urination, new severe pelvic pain, inability to pass urine, or sudden loss of bladder control with leg weakness or numbness. These features may point to a different or urgent problem.

Ask whether your leakage is stress, urgency, or mixed incontinence; which exercises suit you; and when testing is useful. If surgery is proposed, ask about recovery, mesh-related considerations, and non-surgical alternatives.