Institute of Urology
The Institute of Urology is part of the Department of Surgery, where experienced surgeons provide advanced treatment options, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Urinary Incontinence
Personalized care for bladder control and pelvic health
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Understanding Urinary Incontinence and Your Care Options
Urinary incontinence can affect daily life, sleep and confidence. At Lahey Clinic, the Continence Center provides evaluation and treatment for many types of bladder control concerns. Care is personalized and designed to help you regain comfort and control.
You will receive coordinated care from urology and urogynecology specialists. Our team approach supports both female urinary incontinence and male urinary incontinence.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, which can cause urine to leak unexpectedly. It can range from small leaks that happen occasionally to sudden, strong urges to urinate that are hard to control. While it can be embarrassing to talk about, it is a very common condition that affects millions of people — and the good news is it's treatable.
There are two most common types of urinary incontinence:
- Stress incontinence occurs when physical activity or movement — such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising — puts pressure on the bladder and causes leakage.
- Urge incontinence, sometimes called "overactive bladder," is when you feel a sudden, intense need to urinate and cannot always make it to the bathroom in time.
Many people wait too long to seek help, often because they feel embarrassed or assume nothing can be done. But getting evaluated early can make a big difference. Identifying the cause of your incontinence is the first step toward finding a treatment that works for you and getting back to living life on your own terms.
Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence
Symptoms of incontinence may include leaking with activity, frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder. Ask yourself these questions to see if you have any of the symptoms.
Do you leak urine:
- When you sneeze, cough or laugh?
- When you get up from a seated position or lift something heavy?
- When you walk or exercise?
- When you have the urge to urinate and cannot get to the bathroom in time?
- When you hear water running or on cold days?
- While sleeping?
- Following surgery?
Do you:
- Get up more than twice a night to urinate?
- Go to the bathroom so frequently that you know where all the bathrooms are wherever you go?
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
Common causes of incontinence include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Aging and hormonal changes
- An enlarged prostate
- Neurologic conditions
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness
- Urinary tract infections
- Certain medications or lifestyle factors
Understanding the causes of incontinence helps guide the right treatment plan.
Many treatments are available, from lifestyle changes to advanced procedures.
A Personalized Approach at the Continence Clinic
The Continence Clinic focuses on identifying the cause of your symptoms and creating a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Care may include lifestyle guidance, pelvic floor therapy, medication, or procedures. Our team works closely together so you can receive coordinated care and clear next steps.
More About Urinary Incontinence
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are several types of urinary incontinence. Some people may experience more than one type, including:
- Stress incontinence: Leakage happens when pressure is placed on the bladder during coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise.
- Urge incontinence: A sudden, strong urge to urinate is then followed by leakage.
- Overflow incontinence: The bladder does not empty fully, which leads to frequent or constant dribbling.
- Functional incontinence: Physical or mobility challenges make it hard to reach the bathroom in time.
- Temporary incontinence: Short-term bladder control issues can be caused by infections, medications or other temporary conditions.
How Urinary Incontinence Is Evaluated
Your visit will begin with a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam. This helps our team get a clear picture of what you are experiencing and what may be causing it. Based on what we find, we may recommend additional testing to better understand how your bladder is functioning.
Testing may include:
Radiology and Imaging Tests: Imaging studies that allow our team to look at the structure of your urinary tract and identify any abnormalities that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Urine Testing: a simple lab test to check for signs of infection, blood, or other factors that may be affecting bladder function.
Bladder Function Testing (Urodynamics): A specialized test that measures how well your bladder and urethra store and release urine, helping us pinpoint the type and cause of your incontinence.
Together, these tests give our team the information needed to make an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan that is right for you.
Urodynamics Testing: Urodynamics testing is a detailed evaluation of how your bladder and urethra work together. It is one of the most helpful tools we have for understanding the root cause of incontinence and guiding effective treatment.
During testing, we may measure:
- Bladder pressure and capacity: how much urine your bladder can hold and how pressure builds as it fills.
- Urine flow and bladder emptying: how well your bladder empties and whether any urine is being left behind.
- Muscle and nerve function: how the muscles and nerves that control urination are working together.
We know that medical testing can feel overwhelming, and we want you to feel comfortable every step of the way. Your care team will walk you through what to expect, explain each part of the process, and answer any questions you have before testing begins.
