Urinary Incontinence: Causes, Types & Effective Treatments

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, causing urine to leak unexpectedly. It ranges from occasional minor leaks when coughing or sneezing to urges so sudden and strong that you cannot reach a toilet in time. Affecting approximately 25-45% of women and 5-15% of men, it is one of the most common medical conditions.

Urinary incontinence occurs when the normal process of storing and passing urine is disrupted. Under normal circumstances, the bladder muscle (detrusor) relaxes while filling with urine, and the sphincter muscles around the urethra stay contracted to keep urine in. When you decide to urinate, the bladder muscle contracts while the sphincter muscles relax, allowing urine to flow out. Problems with any part of this complex system can lead to incontinence.

The condition is significantly more common in women than men, primarily due to the effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause on the pelvic floor muscles and urethral tissues. However, men can also develop incontinence, particularly after prostate surgery or due to an enlarged prostate. Age is another significant risk factor, with the prevalence increasing to over 50% in elderly nursing home residents.

Despite being so common, urinary incontinence remains underreported and undertreated. Many people feel too embarrassed to discuss the problem with their healthcare provider, or they mistakenly believe it is an inevitable part of aging. In reality, urinary incontinence is not a normal part of aging, and effective treatments are available for most people. Understanding the type of incontinence you have is the first step toward finding an effective solution.

What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence?

Symptoms of urinary incontinence include leaking urine during physical activities (stress incontinence), sudden strong urges to urinate followed by involuntary leakage (urge incontinence), frequent urination including at night, and difficulty completely emptying the bladder. The specific symptoms depend on the type of incontinence.

The symptoms of urinary incontinence vary depending on the underlying type and cause. Some people experience only occasional, minor leaks, while others may have more significant urine loss that interferes with daily activities. Recognizing your specific symptoms is essential for getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Many people with urinary incontinence also experience associated symptoms that affect their daily lives. These may include needing to urinate frequently (more than 8 times in 24 hours), waking up multiple times at night to urinate (nocturia), difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, or a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating. These associated symptoms provide important clues about the type and cause of incontinence.

The psychological and social impact of incontinence symptoms should not be underestimated. Many people limit their social activities, avoid travel, or experience anxiety about having an accident in public. Some people develop depression or social isolation. Recognizing these impacts is important because effective treatment can dramatically improve quality of life.

Common Symptoms by Type

• Leaking during physical activity: Urine escapes when you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise, or lift heavy objects. This is the hallmark of stress incontinence.
• Sudden, intense urge to urinate: You feel an overwhelming need to urinate immediately, often followed by involuntary leakage before reaching the toilet. This characterizes urge incontinence.
• Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more than 8 times during the day or more than twice at night.
• Continuous dribbling: Small amounts of urine leak throughout the day, often indicating overflow incontinence or a fistula.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: Feeling that your bladder is not fully empty after urinating, which may indicate overflow incontinence.

What Are the Different Types of Urinary Incontinence?

The four main types of urinary incontinence are stress incontinence (leakage during physical exertion), urge incontinence (sudden strong urge to urinate), mixed incontinence (combination of stress and urge), and overflow incontinence (inability to fully empty the bladder). Each type has different causes and requires different treatment approaches.

Understanding the specific type of urinary incontinence is crucial because treatment approaches vary significantly between types. A careful evaluation of symptoms, along with diagnostic tests when needed, helps identify the correct type or combination of types. Many people, particularly women, have mixed incontinence with features of more than one type.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is the most common type in women under 60 years of age. It occurs when physical movement or activity puts pressure (stress) on the bladder, causing urine to leak. The word "stress" refers to physical stress, not emotional stress. Activities that can trigger stress incontinence include coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, lifting heavy objects, or even standing up from a sitting position.

The underlying cause of stress incontinence is weakness in the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra. When these supportive structures are weakened, increased abdominal pressure during physical activity can push down on the bladder and overcome the resistance of the weakened sphincter muscles, allowing urine to escape. Common causes of this weakness include pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, menopause with decreased estrogen, obesity, chronic coughing, and previous pelvic surgery.

In men, stress incontinence is less common but can occur after prostate surgery (prostatectomy), particularly for prostate cancer. The surgery can damage the sphincter muscles or the nerves that control them. Most men recover bladder control within a year after surgery, but some may have persistent incontinence requiring treatment.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder (OAB), is characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. People with urge incontinence may urinate frequently (more than 8 times in 24 hours) and often wake up multiple times during the night to urinate. The urge can be triggered by seemingly minor things like the sound of running water, touching water, or arriving home (sometimes called "key-in-the-door" syndrome).

The underlying problem in urge incontinence is involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle (detrusor). The bladder muscle contracts at inappropriate times, even when the bladder is not full, creating the urgent sensation and sometimes leading to leakage before reaching the toilet. The cause of these involuntary contractions is not always clear but can be associated with neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis), urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or bladder inflammation.

Urge incontinence becomes more common with age and affects both men and women. In men, an enlarged prostate can contribute to urgency symptoms. In women, the condition often worsens after menopause due to changes in the bladder and urethral tissues from decreased estrogen levels.

Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence combines symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence. A person with mixed incontinence may leak urine both during physical activities and when experiencing sudden, intense urges. This type is particularly common in older women, affecting up to 50% of women with incontinence. Understanding which component is more bothersome helps guide treatment priorities.

Treatment for mixed incontinence typically addresses both components, often starting with conservative measures like pelvic floor exercises and bladder training that can help both types. Medications may be added for the urge component, and surgery may be considered for the stress component if conservative measures are insufficient.

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty completely, becoming overfilled and allowing urine to leak out. People with overflow incontinence typically experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine, weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. They may also need to strain to urinate.

This type is more common in men and is often caused by an obstruction to urine flow, most commonly from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Other causes include urethral stricture (narrowing), nerve damage from diabetes or spinal cord injury, and certain medications that affect bladder function. In women, overflow incontinence can result from severe pelvic organ prolapse or previous pelvic surgery that affects bladder function.

Overflow incontinence requires prompt evaluation because chronic urinary retention can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney damage. Treatment focuses on relieving the obstruction or addressing the underlying cause of poor bladder emptying.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles (from pregnancy, childbirth, aging), overactive bladder muscles, obstruction (enlarged prostate), neurological conditions, urinary tract infections, menopause-related tissue changes, obesity, and certain medications. The cause varies based on the type of incontinence.

Urinary incontinence results from problems with the muscles and nerves that control bladder function. The causes range from temporary conditions that can be easily treated to chronic conditions requiring long-term management. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for selecting the most effective treatment.

Some causes of urinary incontinence are temporary and reversible. These include urinary tract infections, which can irritate the bladder and cause urgency and frequency. Constipation can also contribute to incontinence because the rectum is located near the bladder and shares many nerves; hard, compacted stool can increase pressure on the bladder and interfere with normal bladder function. Certain foods and beverages act as diuretics or bladder irritants, including caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, and spicy or acidic foods.

Chronic causes of incontinence are related to underlying physical changes or medical conditions. In women, pregnancy and childbirth are major risk factors. The weight of the growing uterus can weaken pelvic floor muscles, and vaginal delivery can stretch and damage the pelvic floor muscles and nerves. Multiple vaginal deliveries, prolonged labor, and delivering large babies increase the risk. While temporary incontinence during pregnancy and shortly after delivery is common and usually resolves, some women develop persistent incontinence.

Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence

• Pregnancy and childbirth: Vaginal delivery can weaken pelvic floor muscles and damage supportive tissues and nerves
• Menopause: Decreased estrogen leads to thinning of urethral and vaginal tissues, reducing their supportive function
• Age: Bladder and urethra muscles weaken with age, and bladder capacity decreases
• Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles
• Enlarged prostate: In men, benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause obstruction and overflow incontinence
• Prostate surgery: Radical prostatectomy can damage sphincter muscles and nerves
• Neurological disorders: Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries can affect bladder control
• Chronic coughing: Conditions like COPD or smoking-related cough can weaken pelvic floor over time
• Family history: There is a genetic component, particularly for urge incontinence

Medications That Can Cause or Worsen Incontinence

Several medications can contribute to urinary incontinence or worsen existing symptoms. Diuretics (water pills) increase urine production and can overwhelm a weakened bladder. Sedatives and sleeping pills can decrease awareness of the need to urinate. Some blood pressure medications relax smooth muscle, which can affect bladder function. Antidepressants and antihistamines can cause urinary retention, potentially leading to overflow incontinence. If you suspect a medication is contributing to incontinence, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider—do not stop taking prescribed medications without guidance.

When Should You See a Doctor for Urinary Incontinence?

See a doctor for urinary incontinence if it affects your daily activities or quality of life, if you have pain or burning during urination, blood in urine, sudden onset of incontinence, or incontinence accompanied by fever. While rarely serious, urinary incontinence warrants evaluation because effective treatments are available.

Many people hesitate to discuss urinary incontinence with their healthcare provider due to embarrassment or the mistaken belief that it is a normal part of aging that cannot be treated. However, incontinence is a medical condition with effective treatments, and healthcare providers are accustomed to discussing it professionally and sensitively.

You should schedule an appointment to discuss urinary incontinence if you experience any of the following: leakage that requires you to use pads or protective undergarments, limiting social activities or avoiding travel due to incontinence concerns, incontinence that interferes with sleep, affecting your relationships or sexual activity, or causing anxiety, embarrassment, or depression. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and improve quality of life.

Certain symptoms require more urgent evaluation. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you notice blood in your urine, pain or burning with urination, sudden onset of incontinence (especially in older adults, which could indicate infection or other acute conditions), fever with urinary symptoms, or difficulty urinating despite feeling the urge.

How Is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?

Urinary incontinence is diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, bladder diary, urinalysis, and sometimes specialized tests like post-void residual measurement or urodynamic testing. The goal is to determine the type of incontinence and any underlying causes to guide treatment.

The diagnostic evaluation for urinary incontinence begins with a thorough medical history. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms in detail: when and how often you leak urine, what triggers the leakage, how much urine you lose, how often you urinate during the day and night, and whether you have difficulty starting or completing urination. They will also ask about your overall health, medications, past surgeries, and for women, obstetric history (number of pregnancies, types of deliveries).

A physical examination helps identify physical factors contributing to incontinence. For women, this includes a pelvic exam to assess pelvic floor muscle strength, check for pelvic organ prolapse (descent of the bladder, uterus, or rectum), and evaluate the health of vaginal tissues. For men, the exam includes checking the prostate by digital rectal examination to assess its size and detect any abnormalities.

Common Diagnostic Tests

Urinalysis: A urine sample is tested for signs of infection, blood, or other abnormalities. Urinary tract infections can cause or worsen incontinence symptoms and should be treated before evaluating for other causes.

Bladder Diary: You record your fluid intake, urination times and amounts, incontinence episodes, and what you were doing when leakage occurred over several days. This provides valuable information about patterns and triggers.

Post-Void Residual Measurement: This test measures how much urine remains in your bladder after urinating. It can be done with a bladder scanner (ultrasound) or by briefly inserting a catheter. Significant residual urine suggests incomplete bladder emptying, which may indicate overflow incontinence.

Urodynamic Testing: These specialized tests measure bladder pressure and urine flow. They can identify abnormalities in bladder function, such as involuntary bladder contractions or obstruction. Urodynamic testing is typically reserved for cases where the diagnosis is unclear or when surgery is being considered.

Cystoscopy: A thin scope with a camera is inserted through the urethra to visualize the inside of the bladder and urethra. This may be recommended if blood in the urine or other symptoms suggest a structural problem like bladder stones or tumors.

What Can You Do Yourself to Manage Urinary Incontinence?

Self-care strategies for urinary incontinence include pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), bladder training, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol), managing fluid intake, preventing constipation, and quitting smoking. These lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms for many people.

Many people can substantially improve or even resolve their urinary incontinence through lifestyle modifications and self-help strategies. These conservative approaches are typically recommended as first-line treatment before considering medication or surgery. Even if medical treatment becomes necessary, these strategies continue to play an important supportive role.

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises)

Pelvic floor exercises are one of the most effective treatments for stress incontinence and can also help with urge incontinence. These exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and help control urine flow. Studies show that proper pelvic floor training improves symptoms in 60-70% of women with stress incontinence.

To identify your pelvic floor muscles, try to stop urination midstream. The muscles you use are your pelvic floor muscles. Once you have identified them, practice contracting these muscles while sitting, standing, or lying down (not while urinating). Tighten the muscles for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. As you become stronger, work up to 10-second holds. Perform 10-15 repetitions, three times daily.

Key points for effective pelvic floor exercises: Focus only on the pelvic floor muscles—avoid tightening your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Breathe normally; do not hold your breath. Be patient—it typically takes 6-12 weeks of consistent daily practice to notice improvement. Consider working with a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy if you have difficulty identifying or exercising these muscles correctly.

Bladder Training

Bladder training is particularly helpful for urge incontinence. The goal is to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits, training your bladder to hold more urine. Start by determining your current pattern using a bladder diary. Then, try to delay urination by small increments (15 minutes) when you feel the urge. Use distraction techniques (counting backward, deep breathing) to help control the urge. Gradually increase the time between voids until you reach 3-4 hours.

Timed voiding is another bladder training technique where you urinate on a schedule rather than waiting for the urge. This can be helpful for people who have difficulty sensing when their bladder is full or who need assistance getting to the toilet.

Lifestyle Modifications

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Studies show that losing just 5-10% of body weight can reduce incontinence episodes by up to 50% in overweight individuals.

Manage fluid intake: Drink adequate fluids to keep urine diluted (concentrated urine can irritate the bladder), but avoid drinking excessive amounts. A good guideline is enough to produce about 1-2 liters of urine per day. Limit fluids in the evening to reduce nighttime bathroom trips.

Avoid bladder irritants: Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, and acidic foods can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence. Try eliminating these one at a time to see if symptoms improve.

Prevent constipation: Straining with bowel movements can weaken pelvic floor muscles, and a full rectum can put pressure on the bladder. Eat high-fiber foods, stay active, and drink adequate fluids.

Quit smoking: Smoking causes chronic coughing that can weaken pelvic floor muscles over time. Nicotine may also irritate the bladder.

How Is Stress Incontinence Treated?

Stress incontinence treatment begins with pelvic floor exercises, which help 60-70% of patients. If exercises are insufficient after 3-6 months, options include vaginal devices (pessaries), urethral bulking injections, or surgery. The most common surgical procedure is the mid-urethral sling with 80-90% success rates.

Treatment for stress incontinence follows a stepped approach, beginning with conservative measures and progressing to more invasive options if needed. Many people achieve satisfactory improvement with non-surgical treatments alone.

Conservative Treatments

Pelvic floor muscle training is the first-line treatment for stress incontinence. When performed correctly and consistently, these exercises strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, improving their ability to maintain closure during physical stress. Working with a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes, as they can ensure you are exercising the correct muscles and provide feedback and motivation.

Vaginal pessaries are removable devices inserted into the vagina to support the bladder neck and urethra. They can be particularly helpful for women who experience incontinence primarily during exercise or other specific activities. Pessaries require proper fitting by a healthcare provider and regular cleaning and follow-up.

Topical estrogen may be recommended for postmenopausal women. Estrogen applied to the vagina (as cream, tablet, or ring) can help restore the health of vaginal and urethral tissues, potentially improving symptoms. Topical estrogen does not carry the same risks as systemic hormone therapy.

Surgical Treatments

If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief after 3-6 months, surgery may be considered. The most common and effective surgical procedure for stress incontinence in women is the mid-urethral sling procedure (such as TVT—tension-free vaginal tape). In this minimally invasive procedure, a thin mesh tape is placed under the urethra to provide support. The tape acts as a hammock, preventing the urethra from dropping during physical activity. Success rates are 80-90% for long-term cure or significant improvement.

The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Recovery is relatively quick, with most women returning to normal activities within a few weeks. Risks include temporary difficulty urinating, urinary tract infection, and rarely, mesh complications. Discuss the specific procedure, its benefits, and risks with your surgeon.

Urethral bulking injections are another option, particularly for women who cannot or do not want surgery. A substance is injected around the urethra to add bulk and help the sphincter close more effectively. While less invasive than surgery, the results may not last as long, and repeat injections may be needed.

For men with stress incontinence after prostate surgery, treatment options include pelvic floor exercises (often started before surgery to improve outcomes), urethral bulking injections, male sling procedures, or artificial urinary sphincter implantation for severe cases.

How Is Urge Incontinence Treated?

Urge incontinence treatment includes bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, avoiding bladder irritants, and medications that calm the bladder muscle (antimuscarinics or beta-3 agonists). For medication-resistant cases, options include botulinum toxin injections into the bladder or nerve stimulation therapies.

Treatment for urge incontinence (overactive bladder) also follows a stepped approach, beginning with behavioral modifications and adding medications if needed. Many people achieve significant improvement with non-pharmacological treatments alone.

Behavioral Treatments

Bladder training is a first-line treatment for urge incontinence. The goal is to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits, training the bladder to hold more urine and reducing urgency episodes. This involves scheduled voiding, urge suppression techniques (contracting pelvic floor muscles, distraction), and gradually increasing intervals between voids.

Pelvic floor exercises can also help with urge incontinence by strengthening the muscles that help suppress bladder contractions. When you feel an urgent need to urinate, contracting your pelvic floor muscles can help calm the bladder and reduce the urgency.

Avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods can reduce urgency and frequency symptoms in many people. A bladder diary can help identify personal triggers.

Medications

If behavioral treatments alone are not sufficient, medications can be added. The main medication classes are:

Antimuscarinics (anticholinergics) work by blocking the nerve signals that cause inappropriate bladder contractions. Examples include oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin, darifenacin, and fesoterodine. Side effects can include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and in older adults, cognitive effects. Extended-release formulations and transdermal patches tend to have fewer side effects.

Beta-3 agonists (mirabegron, vibegron) work differently, by relaxing the bladder muscle during filling. They have a different side effect profile than antimuscarinics and may be preferred for people who cannot tolerate anticholinergic side effects or who have cognitive concerns.

Topical estrogen for postmenopausal women may help by improving the health of bladder and urethral tissues, reducing urgency and frequency.

Advanced Treatments

For people who do not respond adequately to medications or cannot tolerate their side effects, additional options are available:

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the bladder muscle can reduce involuntary contractions. The effects typically last 6-12 months, after which injections can be repeated. The main risk is temporary difficulty urinating, which may require self-catheterization.

Nerve stimulation therapies (neuromodulation) use electrical impulses to modulate the nerves that control bladder function. Options include sacral neuromodulation (an implanted device) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (performed in the office as a series of sessions).

How Is Overflow Incontinence Treated?

Overflow incontinence treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of incomplete bladder emptying. For prostatic obstruction, options include medications (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) or surgery. For nerve-related problems, intermittent self-catheterization may be necessary to empty the bladder regularly.

Unlike stress and urge incontinence, overflow incontinence is often caused by obstruction to urine flow or impaired bladder muscle function. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause.

For Prostatic Obstruction (Men)

When an enlarged prostate causes obstruction, treatment options include:

Medications: Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, alfuzosin) relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride) shrink the prostate over time but take several months to show effect.

Surgery: If medications are ineffective, surgical options include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser procedures, or other minimally invasive procedures to remove or reduce prostate tissue blocking urine flow.

Before surgery, a catheter may be placed to drain the bladder and relieve urinary retention.

For Urethral Stricture

Urethral stricture (narrowing) may be treated with dilation (stretching) or surgical repair depending on the location and severity.

For Neurological Causes

When overflow incontinence results from nerve damage (from diabetes, spinal cord injury, or other conditions), the bladder muscle may not contract effectively. In these cases, intermittent self-catheterization may be necessary. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through the urethra several times a day to drain the bladder completely. While it may seem daunting at first, most people can learn to do this independently with proper instruction, and it effectively prevents the complications of chronic urinary retention.

What Is It Like Living with Urinary Incontinence?

Living with urinary incontinence can be challenging, but most people can maintain an active, fulfilling life with proper management. This includes using appropriate incontinence products, maintaining treatment regimens, and addressing the psychological and social impacts. Support groups and counseling can help with emotional aspects.

Urinary incontinence can have profound effects on quality of life, but with effective management strategies and treatment, most people can continue to participate fully in social, professional, and recreational activities. The key is finding the right combination of treatments and coping strategies for your specific situation.

If treatments do not completely eliminate incontinence, incontinence products can provide security and confidence. Modern products have come a long way—they are discrete, effective, and designed for different levels of incontinence. Options include pads and liners for light leakage, protective underwear for moderate incontinence, and adult briefs for heavier incontinence. Your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe these products, or they can be purchased over the counter.

The psychological impact of incontinence should not be underestimated. Many people experience embarrassment, anxiety, or depression. Some withdraw from social activities or avoid intimacy. It is important to address these emotional aspects—talking with a counselor or therapist can be helpful. Support groups, whether in-person or online, provide opportunities to share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges.

Intimacy and relationships can be affected by incontinence, but they do not have to suffer. Communication with your partner is important. Practical strategies include emptying your bladder before intimacy and protecting bedding if needed. Many people find that once they address their fears openly, intimacy improves.

Can Urinary Incontinence Be Prevented?

While not all urinary incontinence can be prevented, risk can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight, practicing pelvic floor exercises regularly (especially during and after pregnancy), avoiding bladder irritants, preventing constipation, quitting smoking, and staying physically active. Early treatment of symptoms can prevent worsening.

Although it is not always possible to prevent urinary incontinence, several strategies can reduce your risk or delay its onset:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts chronic stress on the pelvic floor and bladder
• Practice pelvic floor exercises: Regular exercises throughout life help maintain muscle strength; they are especially important during and after pregnancy
• Avoid bladder irritants: Moderate caffeine and alcohol intake, and identify personal triggers
• Prevent constipation: Chronic straining can weaken pelvic floor muscles
• Quit smoking: Smoking causes chronic coughing and may irritate the bladder
• Stay physically active: Regular exercise helps maintain healthy weight and overall muscle tone
• Manage chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes that can affect bladder function should be well-controlled
• Seek early treatment: Addressing symptoms early can prevent progression