Urinary incontinence is when you leak pee (urine) without meaning to. It affects millions of people in the UK, both women and men. Many people feel embarrassed and do not seek help, but it is very common and usually treatable.
Types
- stress incontinence: leaking when your bladder is under pressure, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise
- urge incontinence (or overactive bladder): a sudden, strong need to pee, and leaking before you reach the toilet
- mixed incontinence: both of these
- overflow incontinence: when you cannot fully empty your bladder, so it leaks
Common causes
- pregnancy and childbirth
- the menopause
- being overweight
- prostate problems or prostate surgery in men
- constipation, and some medicines
- conditions affecting the nerves, such as MS, Parkinson's or a stroke
Getting help
See a GP, or in some areas you can refer yourself to a continence service or pelvic health physiotherapist. You may be asked to keep a bladder diary of what you drink and when you pee, and to give a urine sample to check for infection.
Read about treatment for urinary incontinence.
Common questions
Is incontinence just part of getting older?
No. It is more common with age, but it is not something you have to accept. Most people improve with treatment.
Can men get urinary incontinence?
Yes. It is often linked to prostate problems or prostate surgery, and there are treatments that help.
Sources we used
- NHS, Urinary incontinence
- NICE guideline NG123, Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women
- Bladder and Bowel UK
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.