Urology, by video or in person
Urinary Incontinence (Bladder Weakness)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Urinary Incontinence (Bladder Weakness)
- Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise
- A sudden, strong urge to pass urine, and leaking before you reach the toilet
- Passing urine often, day and night
- Dribbling after passing urine, or a feeling the bladder has not emptied
- In men, a weak stream or straining to pass urine
Urinary incontinence means leaking urine without meaning to. It is common, especially in women after childbirth and in older people, but it is not a normal part of ageing, and it can usually be improved. The main types are stress incontinence, leaking when the bladder is under pressure, such as when you cough, sneeze, laugh or lift, usually from weak pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and vaginal birth; urge incontinence, a sudden strong need to pass urine and leaking before you reach the toilet, from an overactive bladder; and overflow incontinence, dribbling from a bladder that does not empty properly, which in men is often caused by an enlarged prostate. Being overweight, straining with constipation, and drinking a lot of coffee or alcohol all make leaking worse. Many people never mention it out of embarrassment. Doctors hear about it every day, and there is no need to feel embarrassed raising it.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise
- A sudden, strong urge to pass urine, and leaking before you reach the toilet
- Passing urine often, day and night
- Dribbling after passing urine, or a feeling the bladder has not emptied
- In men, a weak stream or straining to pass urine
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you cannot pass urine at all and have a painful, swollen lower tummy; if new leaking of urine or loss of bowel control comes with back pain, numbness around the genitals or bottom, or weakness or numbness in both legs, which can mean pressure on the nerves at the base of the spine; or if leaking comes with a fever, shivering and pain in the back or side. See a doctor for any kind of incontinence, and soon if there is blood in the urine, pain when passing urine, or leaking that started suddenly. A doctor can take the history by video, check for a urine infection and diabetes, review medicines, start bladder training and pelvic floor exercises, and tell you when an examination or a specialist is needed.
Treatment options
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises, done several times a day for at least three months, ideally taught by a physiotherapist or nurse
- Bladder training for urge incontinence, over at least six weeks, to lengthen the time between visits to the toilet
- Cutting down coffee and alcohol, drinking a steady amount through the day, and losing weight if overweight
- Treating constipation, a urine infection or high blood sugar where present
- Medicines for an overactive bladder when bladder training is not enough, chosen with care in older people
- Treatment of an enlarged prostate in men
- Surgery for stress incontinence that does not improve with exercises
- Pads and products to stay dry and protect the skin while treatment works
Common Questions
Is leaking urine a normal part of getting old?
No. It is more common with age, but it is not inevitable and it can usually be improved. It is worth raising with a doctor, however embarrassing it feels.
Do pelvic floor exercises really work?
Yes, for many women with stress incontinence, and they are the first treatment. A supervised programme of at least three months works best, because many people squeeze the wrong muscles when they are not taught.
Should my mother drink less water to stop leaking?
No. Cutting down on fluids makes incontinence worse, because it reduces how much the bladder holds. Spreading drinks through the day and cutting down coffee and alcohol help more.
Can a doctor help with incontinence by video?
Yes, as a start. A doctor can work out the likely type from the history, check for a urine infection or diabetes, review medicines that make leaking worse, start bladder training and exercises, and tell you when an examination or a specialist is needed.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call with your parent, with you or another relative on the call if they want you there, who tells you whether they need to be examined in person.
See a doctor by video, with family on the callIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management (NG123). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: management (CG97). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Urinary incontinence. NHS. Patient information.
- Urinary incontinence: non-surgical treatment. NHS. Patient information.
- How to help a weak bladder. NHS. Patient information.
- Back pain. NHS. Patient information.
- Integrated care for older people: guidelines on community-level interventions to manage declines in intrinsic capacity. World Health Organization, 2017. Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.