In short
- Urinary leaks are common and are not inevitable, at any age.
- The two main types are leaks on exertion and leaks with sudden urges.
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation is often the first step.
- Effective medicines and procedures exist when it is not enough.
In this article
Types of leaks
Identifying the type of leak guides treatment:
- Stress incontinence: leaks when coughing, laughing, lifting or exercising
- Urge incontinence: a sudden urge you cannot hold
- Mixed incontinence: both at once
- Leaks after prostate surgery, in men
Why see a urologist?
The urologist asks questions, examines you, may ask for a bladder diary and, if needed, a urodynamic study that measures how the bladder and sphincter work. He also looks for an infection or another associated problem.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Done with a specialised physiotherapist, it strengthens the muscles that support the bladder and close the urethra. It greatly improves stress leaks in many women and helps men after prostate surgery. Results take a few weeks of regular exercises.
Medicines and other treatments
For sudden urges, medicines calm the bladder. If needed, other options exist, such as injections into the bladder wall or stimulation of the nerves that control it.
Surgery
When rehabilitation is not enough, an operation can correct stress leaks, for example a sling placed under the urethra in women. In men, after prostate surgery, other devices exist. The urologist explains the benefits and risks of each option.
Frequently asked questions
Should I drink less to leak less?
No, drinking too little irritates the bladder and encourages infections. It is better to spread drinks over the day and cut down on coffee, tea and alcohol.
Do leaks after childbirth go away on their own?
They often improve in the following months, especially with rehabilitation. If they persist, talk about it: solutions exist.
Learn more
- CareUrinary incontinenceBladder leaks affect many women and men, at any age.
- CareIncontinence surgeryWhen pelvic floor therapy is not enough, an operation can correct bladder leaks, in women and men.
- CareUrodynamic studyA urodynamic study assesses how the bladder and sphincter work: filling, contraction and leaks.
- CareOveractive bladderAn overactive bladder causes frequent, urgent needs to pass urine, sometimes with leaks.
More advice
Sudden urges to urinate: understanding overactive bladderSudden, frequent urges, getting up at night, sometimes leaks: the causes of overactive bladder and the treatments that make daily life easier.Read the article
Male infertility: how is a man’s fertility assessed?Trying for a baby: semen analysis, ultrasound, hormone tests, varicocele. How an andrologist assesses male fertility and what solutions exist.Read the article
Circumcision: reasons, procedure and recoveryPhimosis, infections, personal or religious reasons: why and how circumcision is done in children and adults, and how to care for it afterwards.Read the articleThis information is general and does not replace a consultation. In an emergency, call 112.
Article published by Dr Ayhan Bakar, urologist in Brussels (INAMI 17718534450).
Reference: European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines.