Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services - Otago | Southern | Te Whatu Ora

A person with urinary incontinence is unable to control the release of urine from their bladder. This may be an occasional leakage or a complete inability to hold on to their urine. Females experience incontinence more often than males, and this may result from muscle damage during pregnancy and childbirth or the changes associated with menopause.

 

The most common type of urinary incontinence in females is stress incontinence. This is when urine leaks out when movements, such as coughing, laughing or sneezing put pressure on the bladder.

 

The treatment of urinary incontinence will depend on the cause of the problem, but may include exercises, medication or surgery.