Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence

“Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control —
is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity
ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Urinary Incontinence Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Bladder Incontinence
  • Bladder leakage
  • Bladder Weakness
  • Continence
  • Incontinence
  • Light Bladder Leakage (LBL)
  • Overactive Bladder (OAB)
  • Urinary Incontinence (UI)
  • Weak Bladder

Urinary Incontinence

What is urinary incontinence (UI)?

DotS the definition of UI may vary. The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Urinary incontinence — the loss of bladder control — is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that’s so sudden and strong you don’t get to a toilet in time”.2

Women

Is UI more common in women?

In Urinary Incontinence: Overview – Is Incontinence More Common In Women? according to the (United States) Cleveland Clinic:

“Yes, incontinence is more common in females. Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause can all lead to bladder control problems”.3

Common Types

What are common types of UI?

The (United Kingdom) NHS note:

“Most people with urinary incontinence have either stress incontinence or urge incontinence”.4

Urinary IncontinenceDifferent Types

What are different types of UI?

DotS different types of UI may include:

  1. Stress Incontinence
  2. Urge Incontinence
  3. Mixed Incontinence
  4. Overflow Incontinence

1. Stress Incontinence

What is stress incontinence?

DotS the definition of stress incontinence may vary. In Urinary Incontinence In Women: What Is Incontinence? | Fact Sheet the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:

“Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is more common, affecting 1 in every 5 women. Women who have not had a baby have a 1 in 10 chance of developing SUI, while for those who have had a baby, the chance rises to approximately 1 in 3”.5

2. Urge Incontinence

What is urge incontinence?

DotS the definition of urgency incontinence may vary. In Urge Incontinence Continence Health of Australia elaborate on:

“Urge incontinence is a sudden, strong need to pass urine (wee) that may lead to leaks before reaching the toilet. It affects people of all ages and can affect daily life.

You may notice:

  • A sudden, urgent need to urinate (wee)
  • Accidental leaking before you get to the toilet
  • Needing to go to the toilet more often.
  • Even without leaks, urgency can interfere with daily life”.6

3. Mixed Incontinence

What is mixed incontinence?

DotS the definition of urge incontinence may vary. In Urinary Incontinence: What Is Incontinence? What Are the Different Types of Incontinence the Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Mixed incontinence. Mixed incontinence is when you have a combination of several conditions that all lead to bladder leakage problems. For example, you may have stress incontinence and an overactive bladder. If you have mixed incontinence, pay attention to what you’re doing when you leak. Providers can help you figure out what type of incontinence you have and talk to you about ways to manage it. A good first step is figuring out what triggers it”.7

4. Overflow Incontinence

What is overflow incontinence?

DotS the definition of overflow incontinence can vary. The Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

  • “Overflow incontinence. You experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely”.8

Cause

What may cause UI?

In Urinary Incontinence: Causes and Treatment – Urinary Incontinence Overview the (United States) National Association for Continence (NAFC) note:

“Many people do not realize that there are many different types of urinary incontinence or reasons that you may cause you to leak urine”.9

In Urinary Incontinence: What Causes Urinary Incontinence? [+ Diagram] the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“The pelvic floor muscles (muscles that support the bladder, bowel and uterus) can stretch and weaken, leading to incontinence.

Incontinence can also happen when pelvic floor muscles are too tight (overactive).

Some causes of urinary incontinence are:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Constipation or pushing hard when doing a poo
  • Repetitive lifting of heavy weights – at the gym, at work, in the garden or even when lifting children
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Coughing caused by smoking and chronic lung disease
  • Chronic sneezing (e.g. due to hay fever).

Urinary incontinence is also associated with:

  • Changes around the time of menopause (e.g. the pelvic floor becomes weaker and the bladder less elastic)
  • Diabetes
  • Pelvic or abdominal surgery
  • Certain medicines such as fluid tablets (diuretics)”.10

Aging

Is there an association between aging and UI?

In Urinary Incontinence: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the Mayo Clinic note:

“Though it occurs more often as people get older, urinary incontinence isn’t an inevitable consequence of aging. If urinary incontinence affects your daily activities, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. For most people, simple lifestyle and dietary changes or medical care can treat symptoms of urinary incontinence”.11

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and UI?

In Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems: Bladder (Urinary) Problems the JH note:


Urinary Incontinence“Ageing and menopause can cause your pelvic floor muscles to become weaker. Your pelvic floor muscles help you to hold your wee in.

Menopause also causes your bladder to become less elastic, which means it can’t hold as much wee as it used to. These changes can lead to urinary symptoms such as:

  • Needing to wee often and with a sense of urgency
  • A burning sensation or pain when weeing
  • Blood in your wee
  • Wee leakage, especially when coughing, sneezing or laughing
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

These factors can lead to incontinence, for example, wee leakage. You don’t have to put up with incontinence. You can ask your doctor for a referral to a continence nurse or pelvic floor physiotherapist to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles”.12

Prevention

Can UI be prevented?

In Urinary Incontinence: Overview – Preventing Urinary Incontinence the NHS elaborate on:

“It’s not always possible to prevent urinary incontinence, but there are some steps you can take that may help reduce the chance of it happening.

These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Changing your drinking habits, including cutting down on alcohol
  • Doing pelvic floor muscle exercises”.13

Treatment

What may UI treatment involve?

In Managing Incontinence In Perimenopause & Menopause: Treating Incontinence During Your Perimenopause and Menopause Years the NAFC elaborate on:

“The first thing you’ll want to remember is that bladder leaks during menopause are not normal, and other incontinence problems are not things that simply have to be endured. If you find that you’re having issues with incontinence during your menopause years, don’t just shrug your shoulders and assume that this is par for the course. Instead, take action now – it’s far better than suffering for years, especially with a condition that is eminently treatable. Below are some of the things you can do if you find that incontinence is an issue for you during this time

  • Watch your diet…
  • Pelvic floor strengthening…
  • Physical therapy…
  • Posture…
  • Weight management…
  • Improve sleep…
  • Hormone therapy…
  • Other medications…
  • Pessaries…
  • Third line therapies…
  • Surgery…”.14

Products

Are products available to help manage UI?

Your Country may have a website similar to the international Continence Product Advisor.org which may provide information about different types of continence management products or a Helpline.

Helpline

Do some Countries have a national Continence/Incontinence Helpline?

Yes. Your Country may have a Helpline similar to the Continence Foundation of Australia’s National Continence Helpline.

Toilet Maps, Cards or Apps

Do some Countries have toilet maps, cards or Apps?

Yes. Your Country may have a toilet map similar to Australia’s National Public Toilet Map. About the Toilet Map explains:

“he National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 23,000 public and private public facilities across Australia, including toilets, adult change and baby care. Information is provided about each toilet, such as location, accessibility details, opening hours and features like sharps disposal and showers”.15

Or your Country may have a card or App similar to the (United Kingdom) Bladder & Bowel Community’s (B&B) Free Just Can’t Wait Toilet Card.

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have UI?

If you think you have UI, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Bladder Conditions and Symptoms the B&B note:

“The first and most important point to remember is that everyone with a bladder problem can be helped and many can be completely cured”.16

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Urinary Incontinence?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Urinary Incontinence?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. About Incontinence
  2. Bbuk.org.uk [Bladder & Bowel UK]
  3. Bladder Control
  4. Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence): Diagnosis of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) – How Do Doctors Find the Cause of A Bladder Control Problem? Bladder Diary
  5. Bladder Control Problems: How To Seek Treatment
  6. Urinary Incontinence Bladder Control: Lifestyle Strategies Ease Problems
  7. Bladder Diary
  8. Bladder Health
  9. Bladder Health During Perimenopause & Menopause
  10. Bladder Leakage: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  11. Bladder Pain Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis)
  12. Bladder Retraining and Keeping A Blabber Diary
  13. Bladderandbowel.org [Bladder & Bowel Community, United Kingdom]
  14. Bladderhealthuk.org [Bladder Health UK]
  15. Continence Organizations Worldwide: Continence Organizations Where You Live
  16. Continence Products and Aids
  17. Continence.org.au [Continence Health of Australia]
  18. Continenceproductadvisor.org [Continence Product Advisor]
  19. Cystitis
  20. Diet and Exercise
  21. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management
  22. FAQs: Urinary Incontinence
  23. Finding the Perfect Product for Your Individual Incontinence Needs
  24. Foods and Drinks That Can Irritate Your Bladder
  25. From Leaking Urine To Sudden Urges To Go: An Ob-Gyn Talks Bladder Control Problems
  26. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  27. Glossary
  28. Hormones and Urinary Symptoms In Women | Dr Louise Newson
  29. How Smoking Contributes To Incontinence
  30. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Bladder Leaks
  31. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women
  32. Incontinence Diaries: Using A Bladder Diary or Bowel Diary
  33. Kegel Exercises
  34. Kidneys and Urinary System [Topics + Image]
  35. Lifestyle, Fluids and Diet
  36. Urinary Incontinence Managing Incontinence In Perimenopause and Menopause
  37. Mayo Clinic Q and A: What Is Overactive Bladder?
  38. Menopause Checklist Podcast: Episode 1: A Wee Problem
  39. Menopause and Incontinence
  40. Nafc.org [National Association for Continence, United States]: Doctor Finder – NAFC Doctor Finder
  41. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cranberry
  42. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  43. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  44. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Health Information
  45. Nocturia – Going To the Toilet At Night
  46. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – It Is Not Just Incontinence – Common Bladder Problems Around Menopause
  47. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  48. Other Languages
  49. Overactive Bladder
  50. Overactive Bladder
  51. Pelvic Floor Exercises for Women [+ Videos]
  52. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  53. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Causes and Treatments
  54. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Urinary Incontinence Pattern
  55. Plan Before You Travel
  56. Products
  57. Products To Treat Adult Incontinence
  58. Products for Women
  59. Stress Incontinence
  60. Stress Incontinence In Women
  61. Struggling With UTIs After Menopause? Experts Say This Can Make A Difference
  62. Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence In Women
  63. Talking To Your Doctor About Incontinence [+ Video: Breaking Her Silence: Some Things Are Too Important To Hold In]
  64. Talking To Your Doctor About Incontinence
  65. The “Big Four” Bladder Irritants
  66. The Most Common Types of Urinary Incontinence
  67. The Rainbow of Urine Colors: What’s Typical, What’s Not
  68. The Voices of Incontinence [+ Video – The Voices of Incontinence: Quality of Life]
  69. Urinary Incontinence Therapies and Procedures
  70. Types of Incontinence: Urinary Incontinence
  71. Urinary Incontinence
  72. Urinary Incontinence
  73. Urinary Incontinence
  74. Urinary Incontinence
  75. Urinary Incontinence
  76. Urinary Incontinence
  77. Urinary Incontinence
  78. Urinary Incontinence
  79. Urinary Incontinence In Women
  80. Urinary Incontinence Overview [+ Video: Understanding Urinary Incontinence]
  81. Urinary Incontinence – Multiply Languages
  82. Urinary Incontinence: 10 Ways To Stop Leaks
  83. Urinary Incontinence: Incontinence Products
  84. Urinary Incontinence: Non-Surgical Treatment
  85. Urinary Tract Infections: Causes and Treatments
  86. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
  87. Urinary and Pelvic Floor Conditions
  88. Voices for PFD [Pelvic Floor Disorders]
  89. Voices for PFD [Pelvic Floor Disorders]: Fact Sheets, Patient Summaries and Downloads
  90. Wfipp [World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems]
  91. What Are PFDs?
  92. What Can You Do for An Overactive Bladder?
  93. What Is Nocturia?
  94. Where Do I Start?
  95. Why Do You Need To Pee As Soon As You Get Home?
  96. Why You Pee When You Sneeze and How To Stop It
  97. Why Your Diet Matters When You Have Incontinence
  98. Women’s Bladder and Bowel Health Conditions
  99. World Continence Week 2026 [15-21 June 2026]
    Urinary Incontinence

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Urinary Incontinence: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808 Accessed: 03 June 2026
  2. Urinary Incontinence: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808 Accessed: 03 June 2026
  3. Urinary Incontinence: Overview – Is Incontinence More Common In Women? Last Reviewed: 05 March 2025. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16998-female-incontinence Accessed: 03 June 2026
  4. Urinary Incontinence: Symptoms – Common Types of Urinary Incontinence. Page Last Reviewed: 15 June 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms/#common-types-of-urinary-incontinence Accessed: 03 June 2026
  5. Urinary Incontinence In Women: What Is Incontinence? | Fact Sheet. 05 September 2025. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/urinary-incontinence-in-women Accessed: 03 June 2026
  6. Urge Incontinence. Continence Health of Australia https://www.continence.org.au/about-incontinence/urinary-incontinence/urge-incontinence/ Accessed: 03 June 2026
  7. Urinary Incontinence: What Is Incontinence? What Are the Different Types of Incontinence. Last Updated: 05 March 2025. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17596-urinary-incontinence Accessed: 03 June 2026
  8. Urinary Incontinence: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808 Accessed: 03 June 2026
  9. Urinary Incontinence: Causes and Treatment – Urinary Incontinence Overview. National Association for Continence https://www.nafc.org/urinary-incontinence Accessed: 03 June 2026
  10. Urinary Incontinence: What Causes Urinary Incontinence? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/bladder-health/urinary-incontinence/#section-what-causes-urinary-incontinence Accessed: 03 June 2026
  11. Urinary Incontinence: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808 Accessed: 03 June 2026
  12. Menopause: Menopausal Symptoms – Bladder, Vaginal and Vulval Problems: Bladder (Urinary) Problems. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/menopause/#section-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 03 June 2026
  13. Urinary Incontinence: Overview – Preventing Urinary Incontinence. Page Last Reviewed: 15 June 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/#preventing-urinary-incontinence Accessed: 03 June 2026
  14. Managing Incontinence In Perimenopause & Menopause: Treating Incontinence During Your Perimenopause and Menopause Years. National Association for Continence https://nafc.org/treating-incontinence-during-your-perimenopause-and-menopause-years/ Accessed: 03 June 2026
  15. About the Toilet Map. National Continence Program https://toiletmap.gov.au/about Accessed: 03 June 2026
  16. Bladder Conditions and Symptoms. Bladder & Bowel Community https://www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/bladder/bladder-conditions-and-symptoms/ Accessed: 03 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 03 June 2026  – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 June 2026

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