What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a condition where you lose control over your bladder and may leak urine unintentionally. It can happen occasionally or more often, depending on the cause. While it becomes more common with age, it is not something you have to simply accept.

Symptoms and Causes

Urinary incontinence can show up in different ways.

Common symptoms include:

• Leaking urine when coughing, laughing, or exercising
• A sudden urge to urinate and frequent trips to the bathroom
• Trouble emptying the bladder
• Weak urine flow
• Leakage that disrupts daily life or sleep

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a conversation with your provider. Your provider will ask about your symptoms, health history, and daily habits. A physical exam and a urine test are usually part of the evaluation.

In some cases, you may be referred to a urologist or urogynecologist for further testing or treatment planning.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on what’s causing your symptoms and how much they affect your life. Treatment can include:

• Bladder training and scheduled bathroom visits
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Medications or hormone therapy when needed
• Surgery for more severe cases

Many people see improvement over time, especially when treatment is started early and followed consistently.