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Urinary incontinence: treatments

You don’t have to live with the symptoms of urinary incontinence.

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There are many doctors who specialize in pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence. You can search by city, state, or ZIP code to find the right one for you.

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What are the treatments for urinary incontinence?

Depending on the severity and type of incontinence, it can be treated in several ways, and you may have both surgical and non-surgical options.

Stress incontinence treatment options

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Non-surgical options

  • Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
  • Physical therapy and biofeedback
  • Vaginal pessaries
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Minimally invasive options

Tension free mid-urethral slings 

A synthetic material that becomes integrated into the tissue around the urethra and forms a “hammock of support” under the urethra

Injectable bulking agents

Gel-like materials that are used to bulk or fill out the tissue surrounding the urethra to increase resistance to urine leakage and provide additional support during physical activity

Do unexpected leaks interfere with your day-to-day activities?

Watch a simple explanation of stress urinary incontinence and potential minimally invasive treatment options.

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Surgical options

Bladder neck suspensions

Surgery that helps place a sagging bladder back into its normal position

Marshall Marchetti Krantz (MMK) procedure 

Surgery where the tissue around the urethra is lifted and stitched to the bone in the front part of the pelvis (pubic bone) and to tissue behind the abdominal wall

Burch colposuspension

Surgery that lifts the bladder neck to the strong ligaments on the pelvic bones using sutures

Urge incontinence treatment options

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Non-surgical options

  • Lifestyle changes such as pelvic floor exercise and diet change
  • Physical therapy
  • Oral medications
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Minimally invasive options

  • Botox™ injections
  • Tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)
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Surgical options

  • Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS)

Mixed incontinence treatment options

May involve treatment options for both stress and urge incontinence

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Still have questions?

Read frequently asked questions about treatment options for urinary incontinence.

Patient stories

Learn how urinary incontinence affected Renay and Stephanie and how treatment helped them reclaim their lives.

“Instead of participating in the sports, I became the photographer.”

Renay shares how wearing pads and planning her trips around restrooms helped her cope with the symptoms of urinary incontinence, until she found a treatment option that was right for her.

“Going forward I have this peace of mind.”

Stephanie recalls how the symptoms of urinary incontinence interfered with “the everyday stuff” she loved, including exercise, and shares how her life has changed since seeking treatment.

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

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