Urinary incontinence: practical help and treatment options

One in three people over 60 deals with urinary leakage — but it doesn't have to control your life. If you're reading this, you want straight answers: what's causing it, what you can try today, and when to see a clinician. Here are clear, practical steps that actually help.

Causes vary. Stress incontinence is leakage when you cough, laugh, or lift. Urge incontinence feels like a sudden, strong need to go and sometimes you don't make it. Mixed means both. Other causes include bladder infections, nerve problems, certain medications, constipation, and pelvic surgery. Knowing the pattern of your leaks helps pick the right fix.

Simple steps you can start today

Try pelvic floor exercises (Kegels). Tighten the muscles you'd use to stop urine, hold 3–5 seconds, then relax; repeat 10 times, three times a day. Small effort, big payoff over weeks. Add bladder training: delay going to the toilet by 10–15 minutes each time until you reach 2–3 hour gaps. Cut caffeine and alcohol, which irritate the bladder, and spread fluids evenly through the day to avoid sudden urges.

Manage constipation — a full bowel can press on the bladder and make leaks worse. If you're overweight, losing even 5–10% of body weight often reduces leakage. Wear absorbent pads or underwear when needed; modern options are discreet and comfortable.

When to see a doctor and common treatments

See a doctor if leakage affects your life, if you have blood in urine, fever, pain, or sudden changes. Your clinician will take a history, do a physical exam, and may order urine tests or bladder scans. First-line treatments often include pelvic floor physiotherapy and bladder training.

Medications available include antimuscarinics and mirabegron for urge symptoms; each has side effects like dry mouth or raised blood pressure, so discuss risks. For stress incontinence, options range from pessaries (a simple device a clinician fits) to minimally invasive sling surgery. For severe cases, nerve stimulation or intermittent catheters might be recommended.

Think about simple fixes first — exercises, weight loss, and changing drinks — and use products that let you stay active while you sort out treatment. If you're considering medication or surgery, get a clear explanation of expected benefits, possible harms, and recovery time. Ask about pelvic floor physiotherapists — they often deliver the best results without drugs.

Don't let embarrassment stop you today. Urinary incontinence is common, treatable, and there are practical options to improve symptoms quickly. If you want, make a note over a week: when leaks happen, what you ate or drank, and how much you urinated. That log makes visits to the clinic faster and more useful.

Choose products by how much you leak: light pads for drips, heavy absorbency or protective underwear for days. Try a few brands—fit matters more than price. For meds, always review your full list with your doctor or pharmacist; some common pills like diuretics can make leaks worse. A pharmacist can suggest timing or alternatives to reduce symptoms.