Urinary Incontinence Treatments in London

Urinary Incontinence Assessment and Treatment

Urinary incontinence means leaking urine when you do not intend to. It may happen with coughing, laughing, exercise, or lifting, or it may appear as a sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control.

It is common after childbirth and around menopause, but it should still be assessed properly, especially if symptoms are new, worsening, or affecting daily life.

We look at the type of leakage, when it happens, and what may be contributing. This may include hormonal changes, pelvic floor function, urinary tract health, previous childbirth, medication, fluid habits, and lifestyle factors.

Treatment is guided by the cause, with the aim of improving comfort, confidence, and bladder control.

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hormone treatments being discussed in London

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur for a variety of reasons – from weakened pelvic floor muscles to hormonal changes, overactive bladder signals or nerve-related issues.

There are several main types:

Stress incontinence: Leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercising, often due to pelvic floor weakness.
Urge incontinence (overactive bladder): A sudden, hard-to-delay urge to pass urine, sometimes leading to accidents before reaching the toilet; may also cause frequent night-time trips.
Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urge symptoms – common in women around menopause.
Overflow or functional incontinence: Less common; linked to incomplete bladder emptying or mobility challenges.

Symptoms can range from a few drops to larger leaks, but all forms of incontinence are valid reasons to seek assessment and support – it’s a medical issue, not just a lifestyle inconvenience.

Common Causes & Risk Factors

Urinary incontinence often results from a combination of physical, hormonal and lifestyle factors that affect bladder control. Understanding these can help guide the right treatment.

Pelvic floor weakness: Common after pregnancy, childbirth, chronic coughing or high-impact exercise. Weak muscles provide less support to the bladder and urethra.
Perimenopause and menopause: Declining oestrogen levels can thin and weaken the tissues of the urethra and vagina – known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) – increasing the risk of leaks.
Urinary tract irritation or infection: Temporary inflammation can cause urgency and frequency.
Dietary triggers: Caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and spicy foods may irritate the bladder lining.
Constipation: Extra pressure from a full bowel can worsen leakage or urgency.
Excess weight: Added pressure on the pelvic floor and bladder may increase strain.
Medications: Diuretics and some antidepressants can contribute to increased urination or leakage.
Prostate surgery (men): Procedures such as prostatectomy can affect bladder control.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience visible blood in urine, fever or flank pain, severe pelvic pain, or sudden incontinence accompanied by leg weakness or numbness.

Female Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT showing the product to client

What Treatments Are Available For Urinary Incontinence?

Female hormone replace therapy (HRT) Male hormone replacement therapy (TRT)

Urinary Incontinence FAQs

Is urinary incontinence just part of ageing?

While bladder control issues become more common with age or after menopause, they’re not inevitable, and with the right treatment, most people see clear improvement.

Can HRT cure incontinence?

Systemic HRT can improve overall menopausal wellbeing, but local vaginal oestrogen is often more effective for urinary and vaginal symptoms. It helps restore tissue strength, elasticity and comfort. Your clinician will advise whether local or systemic HRT (or both) are suitable.

How long until I notice improvement?

Many people see pelvic floor improvements within 6-8 weeks, with continued gains over several months.

Local oestrogen can relieve bladder or vaginal symptoms within weeks, while bladder training or medication may help control urgency and frequency in a similar timeframe.