Conditions we treat
Urinary incontinence
Leaking urine is common, but it is not a normal part of ageing, and it can usually be improved.
Types of incontinence
- Stress incontinence. Leaking with coughing, sneezing, lifting or exercise.
- Urge incontinence. Leaking with a sudden, strong urge to urinate. See overactive bladder.
- Mixed incontinence. A combination of stress and urge leakage.
- Overflow incontinence. Leaking because the bladder does not empty fully.
- After prostate surgery. Some men have leakage after prostate surgery, which often improves over time.
How we assess it
- A review of your symptoms, medications and medical history
- A bladder diary
- A physical examination
- A urine test and a bladder scan
- Sometimes urodynamic testing or a cystoscopy
Treatment options
Pelvic floor muscle training
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, often with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, is the first treatment for most types of leakage.
Lifestyle changes
Managing fluids, limiting caffeine, treating constipation and reaching a healthy weight can all reduce leakage.
Treatments for urge incontinence
Medications, nerve stimulation and bladder injections can help. See overactive bladder.
Surgery for stress incontinence
For women with stress incontinence, a sling procedure places a supportive strip under the urethra. For men with leakage after prostate surgery, other procedures may be considered if leakage continues.
Appointments
Appointments are by referral
Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to send a referral to the office of one of our urologists.