Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Urinary Incontinence?
A primary care doctor can often start by asking about your symptoms. You may be sent to a urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary tract. Women may also see a gynecologist, a doctor for the female reproductive system. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of bladder control, or being unable to control urination. It is a common condition. It can range from a minor problem to something that greatly affects your daily life. In any case, it can get better with proper treatment.
There are several types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress incontinence happens when stress or pressure on your bladder causes you to leak urine.
- Urge incontinence happens when you feel a strong need to pee. Some urine leaks out before you reach the toilet.
- Overflow incontinence happens when your bladder does not empty all the way. It gets too full and you leak urine.
- Mixed incontinence means you have more than one type.
Symptoms
You may have a bladder control problem if you often feel a sudden urge to go. You may also have one if you leak urine during normal activities.
Different types cause different leaks:
- With stress incontinence, you may leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift something heavy, or exercise.
- With urge incontinence, you feel a strong need to go. You may not reach the toilet in time.
- With overflow incontinence, the bladder gets too full and you leak urine.
Causes and who gets it
The cause depends on the type. Stress incontinence is usually caused by weak or damaged pelvic floor muscles. These are muscles that help hold in urine. Urge incontinence is usually caused by an overactive bladder muscle.
Overflow incontinence is often caused by a blockage in the bladder. The blockage stops it from emptying fully. Some other causes are tumors, kidney stones, diabetes, and certain medicines.
Adults are more likely to have urinary incontinence if they:
- Are female, especially after pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause.
- Are older, because urinary tract muscles weaken with age.
- Are a man with prostate problems.
- Have diabetes, obesity, or long-lasting constipation.
- Smoke.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use your medical history and a physical exam to help find the cause. Your provider may ask you to keep a bladder diary for a few days. The diary notes what you drink, when you pee, and when you leak.
Other steps may include:
- A physical exam, which can include a rectal exam.
- A pelvic exam for women.
- Urine or blood tests.
- Bladder function tests and imaging tests.
You may also be referred to a specialist for more tests.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and cause of your urinary incontinence. You may need a combination of treatments. Your provider may first suggest self-care treatments.
Self-care treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes. These include drinking the right amount at the right time and being active. They also include staying at a healthy weight. Avoiding constipation and not smoking also help.
- Cutting down on caffeine and alcohol.
- Bladder training. You pee on a schedule and slowly wait a little longer between trips.
- Kegel exercises. You tighten and relax the muscles that control urine flow to make them stronger.
If these treatments do not work, your provider may suggest other options. Some medicines relax the bladder muscles. Others block nerve signals that cause frequent and urgent urination. Other options include a catheter, which is a tube that carries urine out of the body. Women can use a ring or tampon-like device in the vagina. Bulking agents are injected to thicken tissue near the bladder opening. Nerve stimulation uses pulses of electricity to change the bladder's reflexes. Surgery to hold up the bladder, such as a sling, is also an option.
Absorbent pads can also help with leaks.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have any type of urinary incontinence. Talk with a health care professional about bladder control problems right away.
Urge incontinence can sometimes be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can talk through your symptoms and review a bladder diary with you. They can suggest self-care steps, refer you to a specialist, and follow your care over time.
Common questions
What causes urinary incontinence?
The cause depends on the type of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence is usually caused by weak or damaged pelvic floor muscles. Urge incontinence is usually caused by an overactive bladder muscle.
Can urinary incontinence get better?
Yes, it can get better with proper treatment. Your provider may first suggest self-care, such as lifestyle changes, bladder training, and Kegel exercises.
Is urinary incontinence a normal part of getting older?
No, incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging.
What are Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises are exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They involve tightening and relaxing the muscles that control urine flow.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Urinary Incontinence
- NIDDK (NIH) - Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence)
- NHS - Urinary incontinence
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
