Urinary Incontinence in Women - Treatment Overview

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Urinary incontinence isn't an inevitable result of aging. Most women who have it can be helped or cured.

The best treatment depends on the cause of your incontinence and your personal preferences. Treatments include:

  • Behavioral training, such as bladder training and timed urination. For more information, see Other Treatment.
  • Lifestyle changes and pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises. For more information, see Home Treatment.
  • Medicines. For more information, see Medications.
  • Medical devices. For more information, see Other Treatment.
  • Surgery. For more information, see Surgery.

Behavioral training, exercises and lifestyle changes, and medicines are usually tried first. If the problem does not get better, your doctor may try another treatment or do more tests.

When there is more than one cause for incontinence, the most significant cause is treated first, followed by treatment for the secondary cause, if needed.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 11, 2011
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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