Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine and can affect both men and women. It is a common condition that can significantly impact quality of life, but effective treatments are available. The type of treatment recommended depends on the cause and severity of incontinence, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle factors.

Incontinence may occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder, nerve problems, or as a result of surgery, childbirth, or ageing. Some patients experience leakage with coughing, laughing, or exercise (stress incontinence), while others have urgency-related leakage (urge incontinence), or a combination of both.

Incontinence (Male & Female)

  • Many patients improve with conservative treatments such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder training, and medications. When these measures are not effective, surgical or procedural options may be considered.

    Treatments for Female Incontinence

    • Mid-urethral sling: A minimally invasive procedure that supports the urethra to treat stress urinary incontinence.

    • Urethral bulking injections: Injections that improve urethral closure, often used for milder leakage or when surgery is not suitable.

    • Bladder botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: Used for overactive bladder that does not respond to medications.

    • Sacral neuromodulation: A device that stimulates bladder nerves to improve bladder control in selected patients.

    Treatments for Male Incontinence

    • Male sling: Supports the urethra to reduce leakage, commonly used after prostate surgery.

    • Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS): A mechanical device that provides strong control for moderate to severe incontinence.

    • Urethral bulking injections: Occasionally used in selected men with mild leakage.

    • Botulinum toxin injections or neuromodulation: Used for overactive bladder symptoms.

  • A thorough assessment is essential to determine the cause of incontinence and guide treatment. This may include:

    • A detailed medical history and physical examination

    • Bladder diaries and questionnaires

    • Urine tests to exclude infection

    • Imaging studies such as ultrasound

    • Urodynamic testing in selected cases

    Conservative treatments such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder training, and medications are often trialled first before procedural options are considered.

  • Most patients experience significant improvement, but results vary depending on the type and severity of incontinence.

    Some may still require pads or ongoing exercises.

  • Recovery is usually quick for minimally invasive procedures like slings or injections — often a few days.

    More complex surgeries, such as an artificial urinary sphincter, may require 4–6 weeks for full recovery.

  • Most procedures do not affect erections or sexual desire.

    Some pelvic surgeries may cause temporary discomfort, but nerve-sparing techniques help preserve sexual function.

  • Procedures like slings and artificial urinary sphincters are long-lasting.

    Bulking injections and Botox may require repeat treatments over time.

  • Yes. Dr. Farag will assess your individual anatomy and previous surgeries to determine the safest and most effective treatment.

  • Yes. Many patients improve with pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder training, medications, or a combination of these approaches.

    Surgery is usually considered when conservative measures are insufficient.

  • Light activity is often possible within a few days.

    Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting is usually restricted for 4–6 weeks, depending on the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any urgent referral will be reviewed within 24 hours.