Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. It is common, but it is not something women simply have to accept as a normal part of aging, pregnancy, or childbirth. Different types of bladder control problems can cause similar symptoms, and identifying the pattern of leakage helps guide evaluation and treatment.
Common types of urinary incontinence include:
• Stress urinary incontinence: Leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise, lifting, or other activities that increase pressure on the bladder
• Urgency urinary incontinence: Leakage associated with a sudden, difficult-to-control urge to urinate
• Mixed urinary incontinence: A combination of stress and urgency symptoms
• Overflow or functional incontinence: Less common forms related to incomplete bladder emptying, mobility limitations, medications, or certain medical conditions
Treatment may include lifestyle changes, bladder training, pelvic floor physical therapy, medications, office procedures, or surgery depending on the type and severity of symptoms.
The resources below provide information about urinary incontinence, bladder testing, nonsurgical treatments, pelvic floor therapy, and procedural or surgical options.
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