How is urinary incontinence treated?

Seek urgent assessment or emergency care without delay if you have any of the following:

• Inability to pass urine or sudden inability to empty the bladder
• Very blood‑stained urine or fever with urinary symptoms
• Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting or sudden severe deterioration in general condition

These signs may indicate a medical emergency; do not wait.

History and physical examination by a clinician are the basis for appropriate referral. Common assessment steps include bladder diaries, urinalysis and, when needed, measurement of post‑void residual urine or referral for further tests.

• Duration and frequency of symptoms
• Triggering activities (coughing, exercise etc.)
• Daily fluid intake and caffeine/alcohol habits
• Accompanying symptoms and regular medications

These steps support referral and further investigation rather than providing a definitive diagnosis in this summary.

Many people are initially offered non‑surgical, non‑pharmacological measures. General options include:

• Pelvic floor muscle strengthening and referral to a pelvic physiotherapist
• Bladder training and establishing regular toileting habits
• Adjusting fluid intake and reviewing caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Consideration of practical aids or products to help daily life if needed

These are general suggestions; specific programmes should be planned with a physiotherapist or specialist.

Initial referral is typically to Urology or Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Other specialties may be involved depending on the case:

• Urology: first-line assessment and advanced urological investigations
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology: evaluation for pelvic support problems or female urogenital issues
• Neurology: if there is a history or signs of neurological disease
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or pelvic physiotherapist: for pelvic floor rehabilitation and behavioural treatments

Your clinician will refer you to the appropriate specialty after the initial assessment.