Frequently asked questions

When should I see a doctor?

If leaks keep happening, get in the way of sport, work, sleep or social life, or if you've started changing your habits for fear of leaking: planning routes around toilets, avoiding trips. Even small but regular symptoms are a reason to go: the earlier treatment starts, the better the result.

Urgently — if you have blood in your urine, a high temperature, severe pain, cannot pass urine, or develop sudden weakness or numbness in your legs.

Which specialist should I see?

You can start with a general practitioner (family doctor) at your local clinic or a gynaecologist. They'll do the initial assessment and start first-line treatment. If needed, they'll refer you to a urologist or urogynaecologist — a specialist in bladder and pelvic floor problems in women.

Can it be cured completely?

For many women, symptoms improve significantly or go away. The result depends on the type of incontinence, its cause, how long you've had it and how regularly you follow treatment. Your doctor will help you set a realistic goal: for some it's no leaks at all, for others it's being able to run again or sleep through the night.

How long does treatment take?

The effect of pelvic floor training is judged after at least 3 months of regular practice. Bladder training takes at least 6 weeks. If medicines are prescribed, their effect is usually assessed after a few weeks. To keep the benefit, continue the exercises after the main course ends.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

For 3 days before your visit, note when and how much you drink and pass urine, and when leaks happen. Take the ICIQ-SF test and bring the printout and a list of all your medicines. See How assessment works for more.

Will the examination hurt?

No. It's usually a conversation, an abdominal examination, a vaginal examination and a urine test. Complex tests aren't needed by everyone and are only ordered when indicated.

Can I exercise?

Yes, and it's good for you. If you leak when running or jumping, switch temporarily to lower-impact activity — walking, swimming, cycling, Pilates — train your pelvic floor and tighten it before effort. As your muscles get stronger, you can gradually return to your usual sports.

Does incontinence affect intimacy?

Some women leak during sex, which can be embarrassing. Emptying your bladder beforehand helps, and pelvic floor training often improves both control and sensation. You can and should talk to your doctor about it — it's a common question.

Can I plan a pregnancy?

Yes. Tell your doctor about your symptoms: it affects the choice of treatment — in particular, surgery is usually postponed until you've finished having children. Pelvic floor training during pregnancy reduces the risk of symptoms getting worse. See Pregnancy, birth and the pelvic floor.

What changes at menopause?

Lower oestrogen makes the tissues of the urethra and vagina thinner, which can increase urgency and leakage. Exercises help, and for dryness and frequent urges a gynaecologist may recommend local vaginal oestrogen.

Could it be a sign of another illness?

Yes. Similar symptoms occur with urinary tract infections, pelvic organ prolapse, diabetes, neurological conditions and as a side effect of medicines. That's why it's important to get assessed rather than only choosing pads.

Which pads are best?

Choose purpose-made incontinence pads or underwear: they absorb urine and control odour better than period pads. Change them regularly to avoid skin irritation. Remember they're a temporary measure while you're being treated.

Sources

1. NICE guideline NG123. 2019. nice.org.uk
2. EAU Guidelines on Non-neurogenic Female LUTS. uroweb.org