Urinary incontinence means leaking urine unintentionally. It is common, but it should not simply be accepted as a normal part of aging. Different types have different causes, and treatment can often reduce or control symptoms.
Common types
- Stress incontinence: urine leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise or lifting.
- Urgency incontinence: a sudden strong need to urinate is followed by leakage before reaching a toilet.
- Mixed incontinence: features of both stress and urgency incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence: the bladder does not empty properly and urine may leak from an overfilled bladder.
- Functional incontinence: another health or mobility problem makes reaching or using a toilet difficult.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include leaking during everyday activities, being unable to hold urine after a sudden urge, leaking without warning, bedwetting or being unable to reach a toilet in time. Some people also have frequent urination, nighttime urination or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Causes and risk factors
Urinary incontinence can be related to pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, prostate problems or prostate treatment, pelvic floor weakness, urinary tract infection, constipation, diabetes, excess weight, chronic coughing, urinary blockage or conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord or nerves. Some medicines can also contribute.
Temporary leakage may improve when a short-term cause such as a urinary tract infection or constipation is treated.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional may ask when leakage occurs, how often you urinate, what medicines you take and whether you have pain, urgency or difficulty emptying your bladder. A bladder diary can help identify patterns. Assessment may also include a physical examination, urine testing and measurement of urine left in the bladder after urination. Some people need imaging, cystoscopy or urodynamic testing.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and cause. Options can include:
- pelvic floor muscle training
- bladder training and scheduled urination
- treating constipation and maintaining a healthy weight
- adjusting fluid timing and reducing caffeine or alcohol when these worsen symptoms
- medicines for selected types of urgency incontinence
- treatment for an enlarged prostate or another cause of poor bladder emptying
- pessaries or other devices in selected patients
- nerve stimulation, injections or surgery when appropriate
Do not severely restrict fluids to prevent leakage. Dehydration can cause other problems. A healthcare professional can advise on an appropriate amount based on your health and activity.
Pelvic floor and bladder training
Pelvic floor exercises can help both women and men with some forms of incontinence. A clinician or pelvic floor physical therapist can help ensure the exercises are performed correctly. Bladder training gradually increases the time between planned bathroom visits and can be useful for urgency symptoms.
When to seek medical care
Arrange a medical assessment if urine leakage is new, persistent, worsening or affecting daily activities, sleep or quality of life. Treatment is available, and identifying the type of incontinence helps guide the best approach.
Seek prompt medical care if you cannot pass urine or empty your bladder, have painful urination, fever with urinary symptoms, or see blood in your urine. Sudden loss of bladder control together with new leg weakness, numbness around the groin or loss of bowel control requires emergency medical assessment.
Related topics
Sources
- NIDDK: Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence)
- NIDDK: Symptoms and Causes of Bladder Control Problems
- NIDDK: Treatment of Bladder Control Problems
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026
Medical disclaimer: This information is general and does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.