Bladder leaks are common, and very treatable.
Urinary incontinence means leaking urine when you don’t mean to. Millions of women live with it, and many never mention it. You don’t have to plan your day around the bathroom. With the right care, most women get better.
- How common Very common in women of all ages
- Most common types Stress and urge
- First step Pelvic floor exercises
- Treatment Most women improve
Not all bladder leaks are the same
Knowing when and why you leak helps us choose the right treatment. These are the most common types in women.
Stress incontinence
Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise. It happens when the muscles that support the bladder are weak.
Urge incontinence
A sudden, strong need to go, and leaking before you reach the bathroom. Often called overactive bladder.
Mixed incontinence
A mix of both. Many women have some stress and some urge symptoms.
What makes bladder leaks more likely
Bladder leaks often have more than one cause. These are some of the most common.
- Pregnancy and childbirth Can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder.
- Menopause Lower estrogen can thin the tissues around the bladder and urethra.
- Extra weight Puts more pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor.
- High-impact activity Running and jumping can trigger leaks when the pelvic floor is weak.
- Bladder irritants Caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and some medicines can make urgency worse.
- Chronic cough or constipation Repeated straining puts stress on the pelvic floor.
- Past pelvic surgery Such as a hysterectomy, which can affect pelvic support.
- Urinary tract infections Can cause sudden urgency and leaking that goes away with treatment.
Your visit, step by step
A bladder visit is a simple, private conversation and a quick exam. Here is what to expect.
Talk
When you leak, how often and how much, and how it affects your daily life.
Exam
A pelvic exam to check your pelvic floor muscles and support. We may ask you to cough.
Urine test
A quick test to rule out an infection or other causes.
More tests if needed
Such as checking how well your bladder empties, or a referral for specialized bladder testing.
Before your visit
A little preparation helps us understand your symptoms faster.
- Keep a bladder diary For 2 to 3 days, write down what you drink, when you go and when you leak.
- List your medicines Some medicines, like water pills, can affect your bladder.
- Note your drinks How much caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks you have each day.
- Bring your questions Nothing is too embarrassing to ask. We hear about this every day.
Simple steps first, more options when you need them
Treatment depends on your type of incontinence and how much it affects your life. Most women start with simple changes and exercises.
Pelvic floor exercises
Often the first step
- Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that support your bladder
- Pelvic floor physical therapy can teach you the right technique
- Many women see improvement in a few months
Bladder habits
Retrain your bladder
- Go on a schedule and slowly stretch the time between trips
- Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks
- Reaching a healthy weight can reduce leaks
Medicines
For urge incontinence
- Calm an overactive bladder and reduce sudden urges
- Several options are available
- We’ll review side effects and your other medicines
Vaginal estrogen
After menopause
- A low-dose cream, ring or tablet
- Strengthens the tissues around the bladder and urethra
- Can help with urgency and frequent infections
Support devices
No surgery needed
- A pessary is a soft device placed in the vagina to support the bladder
- Can reduce leaks during exercise or all day
- We fit it in the office
Procedures
When other options haven’t helped
- Sling surgery supports the urethra for stress incontinence
- Bladder injections or nerve stimulation for overactive bladder
- We’ll explain your options or refer you to a specialist
Your provider will walk you through the benefits and risks of each option, and adjust your plan over time.
Strengthen your pelvic floor at home.
Kegel exercises can be done anywhere, and no one will know. Try these steps:
- Find the right muscles: the ones you would use to hold in gas
- Squeeze and lift for 3 to 5 seconds, then relax for the same amount of time
- Repeat 10 times, 3 times a day
- Breathe normally and keep your belly, legs and buttocks relaxed
- Build up to 10-second holds over a few weeks
After pregnancy and childbirth
Leaking is common after having a baby. For many women it improves in the months after birth, especially with pelvic floor exercises.
- Still leaking? Bring it up at your postpartum visit or any time after
During and after menopause
Lower estrogen can make leaks and urgency more likely. Treatment can help at any age.
- Ask us Whether vaginal estrogen is right for you
When to call us soon
Some bladder symptoms can be signs of an infection or another problem.
- Call us For burning, blood in your urine, fever, back pain or a sudden change in your symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.
Is leaking urine just a normal part of getting older or having children?
It’s common, but it isn’t something you have to accept. Most women improve with treatment, no matter their age or how long they’ve had symptoms.
Should I drink less water so I leak less?
Usually not. Drinking too little can make urine more concentrated and irritate your bladder. Instead, spread your fluids through the day and cut back a couple of hours before bed.
Do Kegel exercises really work?
Yes, for many women, especially with stress incontinence. Doing them correctly and regularly is the key. A pelvic floor physical therapist can make sure you’re using the right muscles.
Can urinary incontinence be cured?
For many women, yes, or it can improve so much that it no longer affects daily life. The right treatment depends on the type of incontinence you have.
Will I need surgery?
Most women don’t. Exercises, bladder habits, medicines and support devices help many women. Surgery is an option if other treatments haven’t worked well enough.
Can leaking be a sign of something serious?
Usually it isn’t, but it’s still worth checking. Leaking with burning, blood in your urine or fever can be a sign of an infection, so call us.
Take back control of your day.
Bladder leaks don’t have to be your normal. Call us to schedule a private visit. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
We accept most health insurance plans in Georgia
Visit Us
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770-451-3343
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Hours
Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pmClosed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30