JuniperHealth

Bladder leaks

Urinary incontinence treatment

Simple exercises and changes help most people. If they do not, there are medicines and procedures that can help.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 1 minute read

On this page
  1. Pelvic floor exercises
  2. Bladder training
  3. Everyday changes
  4. Medicines
  5. Procedures
  6. Continence products

Pelvic floor exercises

For stress incontinence, NICE recommends a course of supervised pelvic floor muscle training for at least 3 months. These exercises strengthen the muscles that support your bladder. The NHS Squeezy app can remind you to do them.

Bladder training

For urge incontinence, bladder training for at least 6 weeks can help. You learn to wait longer between trips to the toilet.

Everyday changes

  • drink normal amounts of fluid. Drinking less can make things worse
  • cut down on caffeine, fizzy drinks and alcohol
  • lose weight if you need to
  • treat constipation

Medicines

For overactive bladder, medicines such as solifenacin or mirabegron can help. Vaginal oestrogen may help after the menopause.

Procedures

If other treatments have not worked, you may be referred to a specialist. Options include botox injections into the bladder for overactive bladder, or surgery for stress incontinence. The use of vaginal mesh for stress incontinence has been restricted in the UK since 2018, and you should get full information about the risks of any procedure.

Continence products

Pads, pants and other products can help while you wait for treatment to work. Your local NHS continence service may provide them if you meet their criteria.

Sources we used

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.