Leaking urine can feel embarrassing and frustrating. You may worry about accidents, always look for the nearest bathroom, or avoid activities you once enjoyed.

Many people think leaking urine is just part of getting older. But it’s not. And you don’t have to live with it.

Why Leaking Urine Happens

Healthy bladder function depends on:

  • Coordination between the bladder muscles and nerves
  • Proper bladder muscle control
  • Pelvic floor strength

When everything works correctly, the bladder stores urine and empties at the right time. When any step becomes disrupted, leakage (also known as incontinence) can occur.

Common causes of leaking urine include:

  • Urge Incontinence: Urge incontinence causes a sudden, strong need to urinate that can be difficult to control. The most common cause is overactive bladder (OAB). With OAB, the nerves that control bladder function send signals at the wrong time, causing the bladder to squeeze before it should. This can lead to sudden, strong urges to urinate. It can also cause frequent urination and difficulty making it to the bathroom in time.
  • Stress Incontinence: Occurs when physical pressure is placed on the bladder. Activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting can cause urine to leak. This type is often related to pelvic floor weakness and is more common after childbirth.
  • Mixed Incontinence: Some people experience both stress and urge incontinence. Treatment may involve addressing each issue separately.

Age alone isn’t the cause of urine leakage. And fortunately, there are several effective treatments for most causes of incontinence.

Treatments for Leaking Urine

Treatment depends on the type of incontinence and how much your symptoms affect daily life. Care often begins with conservative options and progresses if symptoms continue.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support bladder control. It’s often part of early treatment and may also be used at the same time as other therapies.

Medications

Certain medications can help reduce bladder overactivity. They are often the first treatment attempted in the search for the best solution for each patient.

Advanced Treatments

When leaking urine is caused by OAB and doesn’t improve with conservative care, treatments that focus on nerve signaling may help.

Sacral Neuromodulation

Sacral neuromodulation helps restore communication between the bladder and the nervous system. Gentle electrical stimulation is delivered to the sacral nerves in the lower back, which play an important role in bladder control. This therapy can reduce urgency, frequency, nighttime urination, and urge-related leakage.

Treatment begins with a trial period to see if symptoms improve before a permanent device is surgically placed. Two common options are InterStim and Axonics. They each offer several customizable device options. This allows for treatment personalization.

PTNS

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, or PTNS, is a non-surgical treatment that also works through the nervous system. Mild stimulation is delivered near the ankle during short office visits. PTNS is often chosen by people who want a non-invasive option and are willing to commit to a series of treatments over time.

Botox for Bladder Control

Botox injections for OAB relax the bladder muscle to reduce involuntary contractions. This can improve urgency and decrease leaking urine. Botox is performed during an office visit and typically needs to be repeated every few months if effective. Bladder emptying is monitored, as bladder retention is a possible side effect.

Help for Leaking Urine Is Available

Many people think struggling with leaking urine is just a part of aging. Fortunately, that’s not the case, and help is available. Today’s OAB treatments focus on fixing the nerve signals that control the bladder, not just managing symptoms. With the right care, many people see fewer leaks and better bladder control.

If you live in the greater Charlotte, NC, or Columbia, SC areas, our specialists can help you find treatment options that fit your needs. Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward feeling confident and in control again.