You can’t always control the release of urine. You may leak urine. Or you may not be able to hold your urine until you can get to a bathroom. This is called urinary incontinence. The problem can be managed. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.

Taking Medications

Prescription medications may help you. They may:

• Help the sphincter to work better. (This is the muscle that closes to keep urine from leaking out of the bladder.)
• Help stop the bladder from contracting too often to push urine out.
• Help the bladder muscles contract with more force.
• Help relax the sphincter muscle and allow urine to flow more freely.

Making Changes to Your Routine

Certain changes in your daily routine may help. These include:

• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
• Using timed voiding. This is following a schedule for drinking fluids and urinating.
• Doing Kegel exercises daily. These exercises involve tightening the muscles in your sphincter and around your bladder to help strengthen them. Your doctor can explain how to do them.

Using a Catheter

A catheter is a narrow tube that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It drains urine. A condom catheter covers the penis. It channels urine into a collection bag. It is worn most of the time. Intermittent catheterization means inserting a catheter to drain the bladder, then removing it. This is done on a regular schedule.

Having Surgery

If other options don’t work, surgery may be recommended. If surgery is an option, your healthcare provider can discuss it with you and explain its risks and benefits.