Urine leakage

Urine leakage can be caused by various factors, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, nervous disorders, hormonal changes and physical stress. In women, common causes include pregnancy, childbirth and the menopause, while in men an enlarged prostate or prostate surgery can play a role. Other causes include urinary tract infections, neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, and certain medications.

• Involuntary loss of urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or during physical exertion (stress incontinence).
• Sudden, strong urge to urinate with subsequent uncontrollable loss of urine (urge incontinence).
• Frequent urination in small amounts, even at night (overflow incontinence).
• Combination of stress and urge incontinence (mixed incontinence)

The diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination by a urologist or gynecologist. Further diagnostic measures may include a urinalysis, ultrasound, cystoscopy and urodynamic tests. A micturition diary, in which drinking and toilet habits as well as incontinence events are recorded, can also be helpful.

• Conservative: pelvic floor training to strengthen the muscles, bladder training to control the urge to urinate and biofeedback to monitor muscle activity.
• Medication: Anticholinergics to reduce bladder contractions, oestrogen preparations for hormonally induced incontinence, and antispasmodic medication for urge incontinence.
• Ergonomic aids: use of incontinence pads, special toilet aids or catheters.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, such as implanting an artificial sphincter, attaching slings to stabilize the urethra or using a bladder pacemaker

Regular pelvic floor exercises, healthy lifestyle habits such as sufficient fluid intake and avoiding obesity can help to reduce the risk of urine leakage. If the first symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted at an early stage in order to initiate appropriate treatment and avoid complications.