Incontinence may be caused by a variety of different factors such as urinary tract infections; medications; bladder growths; fistula formation; pelvic support problems or neuromuscular problems.

Incontinence can be diagnosed by several methods. You may start by discussing your symptoms with your provider and undergo a pelvic exam in the office. Your physician may ask you to keep a voiding diary for a few days and to return for urodynamic testing. Urodynamic testing is an office procedure in which the bladder is filled through a catheter to see how much urine your bladder can hold and what makes you leak.

There are many options for treatment such as lifestyle changes, bladder training, physical therapy, a vaginal pessary, medications and surgery. Some of the lifestyles changes that may help include weight loss, avoiding constipation, limiting caffeine and alcohol and smoking cessation. Bladder training can help you learn to go to the bathroom less frequently by retraining you bladder to hold more urine. The goal is to increase the time between voiding to a normal interval, every 3-4 hours. Kegel exercises tone your pelvic muscles. They can be done at home or with a physical therapist using a technique called biofeedback. A pessary is a silicone devise that can be placed in the vagina to help pelvic support. Your provider and fit you for the appropriate size and shape. There are several medications that help control unwanted bladder contractions associated with urge incontinence. Your provider can help you decide which medication would work best for you. Surgical options are also available and offer the highest cure rate for stress incontinence. Often treatments are most effective when used in combination.

Summary
Although leaking urine can be difficult to talk about, it is not normal at any age and is often treatable with simple measures. Talking about it with your healthcare provider is the first step in getting help for this problem that is affecting your lifestyle.