What it is
Pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, cutting down on caffeine and losing weight often help. Medicines and surgery are options if these do not.
Many people feel embarrassed, but it is a common problem and a doctor can help.
Common signs
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising
- A sudden urge to pee and leaking before reaching the toilet
- Needing to pee often, including at night
- Dribbling after peeing
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms
- A bladder diary
- Urine test
- Examination
- Sometimes bladder tests (urodynamics)
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Bladder diaries
- Urine test results
- Urodynamic test reports
- Urology or gynaecology letters
- Physiotherapy notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of incontinence do I have?
- Would pelvic floor physiotherapy help?
- What other treatments are available?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain or numbness around the bottom: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.