Incontinence Advice

Treatment for stress incontinence: What are my options?

Are you noticing leaks whenever you laugh, sneeze, cough or move in a certain way? These could be signs of stress incontinence – one of the most common types of urinary incontinence. The good news is that there are many ways to manage and treat it. 
treatment for stress incontinence

In this article, MoliCare® will walk you through the different treatment options for stress incontinence, what causes the condition, how it’s diagnosed, and what you can expect from each type of treatment – whether it’s something you can try at home or with medical support.

Key points

  • Stress incontinence is caused when pressure is placed on the bladder.
  • Treatments include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle and behaviour adjustments and surgical procedures.
  • Surgery is available if other options don’t work.
  • Simple daily changes can improve bladder control over time.
  • A proper diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment for you.
  • Both men and women can experience stress incontinence, although the causes may differ.

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Treatment for stress incontinence

Symptoms of stress incontinence

Choosing the right treatment begins with recognising the symptoms. Stress incontinence typically involves unintentional leaks triggered by physical exertion or abdominal pressure. Typical triggers include:


  • Coughing or sneezing – the sudden jolt forces a few drops out.

  • Lifting or bending – picking up a child or a heavy bag can set it off.

  • Exercise – running, jumping, or even brisk walking may cause wet patches.

  • Standing from a chair – that quick change in position squeezes the bladder.

  • Any effort that tenses the core – such as laughing fits, pushing a lawnmower, or a tough yoga pose.

If you also notice urgent ‘got-to-go’ moments, you could have mixed incontinence (a combination of stress and urge incontinence). An accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional will confirm what’s happening and steer you in the right direction towards the best treatment for stress incontinence.

Who is most likely to experience stress incontinence?

While stress incontinence can affect anyone, it is significantly more common in women due to gender-specific factors, such as:

  • Pregnancy – the growing foetus adds pressure to the pelvic floor muscles.

  • Childbirth – the stretching of tissues during vaginal delivery can weaken pelvic floor muscles and damage supportive structures. Sometimes, these tissues don’t fully recover, especially after multiple births.

  • Menopause – falling oestrogen levels can reduce the strength and elasticity of the tissues that support the urethra, increasing the risk of leakage.

  • Pelvic organ prolapse – when pelvic organs shift from their normal position (often after childbirth), pressure on the bladder can lead to incontinence.


For more detailed guidance about these topics, read the following guides:


Although less common, men can also develop stress incontinence. In most cases, this occurs after medical procedures or due to injury or illness, such as:

  • Prostate surgery – a common cause in men, especially after surgery for prostate cancer, which can weaken or damage the sphincter muscle.

  • Radiation therapy – this treatment for prostate or rectal cancer can sometimes irritate or damage surrounding tissue and nerves, leading to leakage during movement or exertion.

Some risk factors are not specific to gender and can contribute to stress incontinence in both men and women:

  • Weakened pelvic floor muscles – ageing, inactivity or chronic straining can reduce muscle tone, making it harder to contain urine under pressure.

  • Chronic coughing or heavy lifting – conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis or ongoing constipation create frequent abdominal pressure, wearing down pelvic support over time.

  • Obesity – excess body weight places constant pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor.

  • Nerve damage – diabetes, spinal injuries or neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis can interfere with the bladder’s ability to store urine properly.

If you notice leakage when coughing, lifting or exercising, don’t ignore it. Speaking to a healthcare professional or continence specialist can help identify the cause and recommend treatment options tailored to your needs.

Remember: Stress incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing. With the right treatment, many people can reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
treatment for stress incontinence who will likely experience it

Five key management options for stress incontinence

Like most forms of incontinence, simple changes can be made yourself before you even visit your healthcare professional. Whilst it is still best to play it safe and discuss lifestyle changes with them first, they will likely recommend the following options:

1. Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle adjustments often form the first line of stress incontinence treatment because they cost nothing and carry no risk. Small changes can have a big impact. Try: 

  • Avoid bladder irritants – such as coffee, fizzy drinks or alcohol.

  • Spread drinks evenly through the day –  cut fluids two hours before bed.

  • Timed toilet trips – concerned about how many times a day you should wee? Visiting the toilet every two to three hours can reduce urgency.

  • Switch to low-impact exercise – such as walking or swimming – that keeps you fit without jarring the bladder.

  • Maintain a healthy weight – even modest weight loss reduces pressure on the bladder. 

Combining two or three of these changes can lead to a noticeable improvement within weeks. 

Could stress be affecting you in other ways? Find out more about common stress indigestion symptoms.
lifestyle treatment for stress incontinence

2. Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegels)

Strong pelvic muscles support the bladder and urethra. Regular Kegel exercises are a cornerstone of stress incontinence management. You can carry out Kegel exercises by:

  • Finding the right muscles – if you can stop your urine mid-flow, you have identified the right muscles; however, don’t carry out the exercises when passing urine.

  • Squeezing and lifting for three seconds, then relaxing for three – Repeat this ten times.

  • Building up to squeezing for ten seconds, then relaxing for ten seconds – Repeat this set three times a day. 

If you would like more information about the technique, read our guides about strengthening the pelvic floor for women, as well as Kegel exercises for men. 

For a tailored approach, a physiotherapist or continence nurse can guide you and track progress.
kegels treatment for stress incontinence

3. Non-surgical devices and injections

For those with substantial incontinence, where lifestyle adjustments have not worked or are not appropriate, the following non-surgical treatments may be recommended by a healthcare professional:

  • Vaginal pessary – a soft silicone ring placed inside the vagina pushes the urethra upward, preventing leaks during a cough or gym class. It can be self-inserted in the morning and removed before bed. Alternatively, some types of pessaries are inserted by healthcare professionals and remain in place for a number of months before being replaced.

Urethral bulking agents – a  gel can be injected around the urethral walls, ‘plumping’ them so they close more firmly. Results are often immediate. The procedure is repeated every 6–12 months to keep results steady.
surgical treatment for stress incontinence

4. Sex and stress incontinence

Leaks during sex can affect confidence, but don’t let it impact your relationship. You can:

  • Empty your bladder beforehand.

  • Use discreet absorbent pads.

  • Choose positions that reduce abdominal pressure.

  • Communicate openly with your partner.

Kegels can also improve sexual confidence and control.


Learn about managing incontinence at night for those who are concerned with nighttime urination.
treatment for stress incontinence relationships

5. Support from HARTMANN Direct

Managing leaks while you work toward long-term control is easier with the right protection. We at HARTMANN Direct provide MoliCare® adult incontinence products including:

  • Dermatologically tested products – kind to your skin.

  • Discreet and highly absorbent – maintaining your privacy and locking away odours fast.

  • A wide variety of products in different shapes and sizes – guaranteeing you will find the best product to meet your needs.

  • Eco-friendly, washable incontinence underwear – offering comfort and sustainability without compromising on protection.

  • Our high-quality products allow you to carry on with daily life while following your stress incontinence treatment plan. 
washable incontinence underwear treatment for stress incontinence

Preparing for your appointment

Maximise your consultation time by coming prepared. 

What to bring: 

  • A list of all medicines, vitamins or supplements with doses.

  • Your bladder diary – a short timeline of symptoms detailing when leaks began, how often they happen, what and how much you drink.

  • A trusted friend or family member –  two pairs of ears remember more than one. 

Questions you could ask: 

  • Will pelvic floor exercises help me?

  • Could my current medication be affecting my bladder control?

  • Is weight loss likely to improve control?

  • Which tests will confirm the right treatment for stress incontinence?

  • At what point would you suggest surgery? 

Writing these down can be helpful to stop blank-mind moments once you’re in the consulting room. 

What your healthcare professional may ask: 

  • How often do you leak and how much?

  • Do leaks happen during activity, at rest or at night?

  • What seems to make symptoms better or worse?

  • How much fluid do you drink each day, and of what type?

  • Do you ever feel something ‘dropping’ in the pelvis?

  • Is bowel leakage also a problem? 

The answers enable a healthcare professional to form a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.  

Wondering if stress incontinence qualifies as a disability? You’re not alone. Many people are unsure about their rights when living with bladder issues. Find out if bladder incontinence is classed as a disability.

FAQs

How can I reduce my risk of stress incontinence?

You can reduce your risk by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with regular Kegel exercises, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting or smoking. Staying physically active and addressing chronic issues such as coughing or constipation can also relieve pressure on your pelvic floor, lowering your risk.

Can stress incontinence get worse?

Yes, without lifestyle adjustments and appropriate treatment, stress incontinence can gradually worsen over time. However, early intervention makes lifestyle adjustments more effective, and can slow or even stop progression.

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