Our doctors can treat urinary incontinence. Book an online GP appointment now and speak with a doctor in minutes.
Alternatively you can refer yourself to a specialist Doctor without seeing a GP first.
Our doctors can treat urinary incontinence. Book an online GP appointment now and speak with a doctor in minutes.
Alternatively you can refer yourself to a specialist Doctor without seeing a GP first.
Written by Medical Professional
Can be Treated Online
Appointments Available Today
Written by
Claudia Jackson (RN)
Registered Nurse
Reviewed by
Dr Adam Abbs
Doctor
Last Updated:
Next Review: Jan 1, 2026
Urinary incontinence is a condition where you pass urine involuntarily (when you don’t want to).
It is a common condition, but the exact number of people with urinary incontinence is unknown. Many people feel embarrassed by their condition or assume it’s a normal part of getting older and cannot be treated. For this reason, many people don’t talk about their condition, even with their GP.
Urinary incontinence can greatly impact your quality of life as it may prevent you from leaving the house and participating in activities you enjoy.
Risk factors for urinary incontinence include:
There are several different types of urinary incontinence:
Sometimes urinary incontinence is temporary and may occur due to a urinary tract or vaginal infection, or as a side effect of medication. This type of urinary incontinence normally goes away when the underlying cause is resolved.
Under UK law, urinary incontinence is classed as a disability. This means you are protected by law from discrimination and harassment due to your condition.
Should I tell my employer about my incontinence?
Whether or not you tell your employer about your condition is a personal decision that only you can make.
It may benefit you to tell your employer to allow them to make any necessary adjustments like regular toilet breaks or time off for hospital appointments.
It’s against the law for your employer to discriminate against you because of your incontinence.
There are many treatments for urinary incontinence including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.
Some lifestyle changes that may help with incontinence include:
See your doctor if you experience any type of incontinence. GPs are used to helping people with urinary incontinence and there is no need to feel embarrassed about this common condition.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and perform an examination to check for a physical cause. They may run some tests like blood and urine tests to see if you have an underlying health condition such as diabetes or a urinary tract infection.
In addition to the lifestyle changes listed above, your GP may suggest some simple exercises to see if they help. These may include:
bladder training is where you train your bladder by gradually increasing the amount of time you wait before passing urine
In some cases, your GP may prescribe medications to help with urinary incontinence.
Medicines for stress incontinence
Medicines for urge incontinence
Medicines for nocturia (getting up during the night to pee)
If lifestyle changes and medications haven’t helped, your GP may refer you for surgery.
Surgery for stress incontinence
Surgery for urge incontinence
An online doctor can help with urinary incontinence by asking you some questions about your symptoms and advising you on lifestyle changes and some ways in which you can manage your condition. They can also refer you to a private specialist for investigations and treatments.
It’s easy to book an appointment with an NHS-trained GP at Medicspot. Simply click the link and select an appointment at a time and day that suits you. Appointments are often available the same day.
A pharmacist can help with incontinence by advising on incontinence products such as pads, chair and bed protection and skin care. Your pharmacist can also advise you on when to see a GP.
Urinary incontinence is a distressing, but common condition that can prevent you from living your life to the full. There are many treatments available for urinary incontinence and the condition is often manageable with the right treatment and support.
If you have symptoms of urinary incontinence and would like to talk to a doctor, make an appointment today.
NHS: Urinary incontinence November 7th 2019 (Accessed December 3rd 2022)
Urology Care Foundation: What is Urinary Incontinence? (Accessed December 3rd 2022)
Bladder and Bowel Community: Incontinence And Discrimination (Accessed December 3rd 2022)
NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Prevention of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) & Bladder Health July 2021 (Accessed December 3rd 2022)
PubMed: Urinary incontinence in women July 2017 (Accessed December 3rd 2022)
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