Myths and facts about urinary incontinence

About the condition

It's normal after childbirth and with age

Incontinence is indeed common, especially after childbirth and around menopause. But "common" doesn't mean "normal". It's a symptom that can be assessed and treated at any age, and help works.

It only happens to older women

Leakage also affects young women: after a first birth, athletes who run and jump, and women with a chronic cough or constipation.

If I haven't had children, it won't happen to me

Childbirth is an important factor but not the only one. Weight, coughing, constipation, heavy lifting, menopause and some illnesses matter too.

It's a sign of something very serious

Most often incontinence is due to a weakened pelvic floor or an overactive bladder. But similar symptoms can occur with infection, diabetes or neurological conditions — so it's important to get checked rather than guess.

About drinking and habits

You should drink as little as possible

Severely restricting fluids concentrates urine, irritates the bladder, increases urgency and raises the risk of infections and constipation. Drink moderately, not minimally.

It's better to go often, "just in case"

Frequent trips without an urge teach the bladder to empty at smaller volumes, and urges become even more frequent. Treatment does the opposite: it gradually lengthens the intervals.

Coffee makes no difference

For many women, caffeine increases urine production and sudden urges. With urgency symptoms, it's recommended to try cutting down.

About treatment

Only surgery helps

Treatment usually starts with conservative methods: pelvic floor training, bladder training and changing habits. For many women this is enough. Surgery is only considered if these measures haven't helped enough.

Exercises don't work

Pelvic floor training is one of the most studied treatments, and its effectiveness is confirmed by many studies. But it works with the right technique and regular practice for at least 3 months. If there's no result, have your technique checked by a specialist.

Pads solve the problem

Continence products help you feel more secure but don't treat the cause or stop it getting worse. They don't replace assessment and treatment.

If nothing helped before, nothing will now

There are many treatments, from exercises to medicines, pessaries and procedures. If the first option didn't suit you, your doctor can offer the next one.

About doctors

It's embarrassing to talk about

For a doctor this is an ordinary medical question, like blood pressure or sleep. The more detail you give about your symptoms, the more accurate the help will be.

The doctor won't be able to do anything anyway

At the very first appointment the type of incontinence can be identified, infection ruled out and a treatment plan made. First-line treatment is available at any clinic.

Where to start

Take the short ICIQ-SF test.
Read about the types of incontinence to understand your symptoms.
Book an appointment with a family doctor, gynaecologist or urologist.

Sources

NICE guideline NG123. 2019. nice.org.uk
Dumoulin C, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;10:CD005654.
EAU Guidelines on Non-neurogenic Female LUTS. uroweb.org