Frequently Asked Questions

Can urinary incontinence be prevented?

No, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. For example, stopping smoking and losing weight may lower the risk. Pelvic floor exercises may help minimize incontinence.

Can urinary incontinence be cured?

Usually, no. If the cause is temporary, sometimes urinary incontinence goes away when the cause goes away. But more often, urinary incontinence is a condition managed with active therapy that may be significantly better. Quality of life improvements with most therapies, especially sling therapy, can be quite dramatic.

How is urinary incontinence diagnosed?

First, your doctor will want to know your symptoms. The doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam. He or she may want you to keep a "bladder diary," writing down when you urinate. Occasionally you may be asked to do a "pad test" to note leakage. Other tests such as a urine culture rule out infections. A bladder scan and cytoscopy may be used to see inside the bladder.

How do I choose the right treatment?

There are many treatments. No one treatment is right for everyone. Treatment choices depend on the type of urinary incontinence. They also depend on your health and medical needs. Your doctor may want to use one treatment or several at the same time. You and your doctor will talk about treatment choices.

What happens if the first treatment doesn't help?

You and your doctor will try another treatment. Sometimes drugs to relax the muscles or surgery can help. In some cases, urinary incontinence does not go away, but can be managed so the symptoms do not interfere with your life.

What lifestyle changes can help?

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating less and exercises can help strengthen the muscles. Avoiding "bladder irritating" food and drink can also help. Drinking plenty of water and regularly emptying the bladder are also good. If you have trouble emptying the bladder completely, waiting a few seconds and going again sometimes helps.

What would happen if I didn't treat urinary incontinence?

It would probably not go away on its own. Symptoms may get worse and urinary incontinence might begin to interfere with daily living if nothing is done to manage it.