Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. This can sometimes be associated with lifting, coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising (stress incontinence). It also can be associated with urgency, and the inability to “get there in time” (urgency incontinence).

The causes of incontinence are varied, but include history of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), having children and age. Evaluation for incontinence will include a detailed history and physical examination with pelvic exam. Some patients will require additional testing with cystoscopy (looking inside the bladder with a small camera) and urodynamics (testing the function of the bladder).

There are many treatments for stress incontinence. Sometimes behavioral changes such as adjusting when you urinate, how much you urinate and when you drink fluids can easily improve your situation. Physical therapy can be used to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. In some patients, when noninvasive therapies are not adequate, the use of slings can help to support the urethra and dramatically improve incontinence. Recently, there has been some controversy as to the use of mesh slings for stress urinary incontinence, and this should be discussed in detail with your doctor. The position statement on this controversial topic can be reviewed here.

See our additional information on overactive bladder and male incontinence.