Urinary
Medicines for Stress urinary incontinence
Leaking urine when the bladder is under pressure — such as coughing, laughing or exercising — usually from weakened pelvic-floor muscles, and often improved with exercises.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Stress urinary incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine when the bladder is put under sudden pressure — for example when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercising. It happens when the pelvic-floor muscles and the tissues that support the bladder and control the flow of urine are weakened or damaged, so they cannot hold urine in during these moments.
- How it is treated: The first-line treatment, and often very effective, is pelvic-floor muscle training — exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder — ideally taught and supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and continued regularly.
- Self-care: Doing pelvic-floor exercises regularly (ideally with physiotherapy guidance), losing excess weight, treating constipation, avoiding heavy lifting where possible, and reducing bladder irritants such as caffeine all help reduce stress incontinence.
- When to seek help: See a GP or continence service about leaking urine when you cough, laugh or exercise — it is common and often very treatable.
What it is
Stress urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine when the bladder is put under sudden pressure — for example when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercising. It happens when the pelvic-floor muscles and the tissues that support the bladder and control the flow of urine are weakened or damaged, so they cannot hold urine in during these moments. It is common, particularly in women, and is often linked to pregnancy and childbirth, the menopause, being overweight, and ageing; in men it can occur after prostate surgery. It ranges from occasional small leaks to more troublesome leakage that affects daily life and confidence. Many people feel embarrassed to seek help, but it is common and often very treatable.
How it is treated
The first-line treatment, and often very effective, is pelvic-floor muscle training — exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder — ideally taught and supervised by a specialist physiotherapist and continued regularly. Lifestyle measures help too: losing excess weight, treating constipation, and reducing things that irritate the bladder. When these are not enough, other options include devices, specific procedures and, in some cases, surgery, chosen with the person and a specialist. Managing menopause-related changes can help some women. Because leakage can be caused or worsened by other factors, assessment identifies the type of incontinence (stress, urgency, or mixed) to guide the right treatment. The key message is that help works and is worth seeking.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Stress urinary incontinence
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Doing pelvic-floor exercises regularly (ideally with physiotherapy guidance), losing excess weight, treating constipation, avoiding heavy lifting where possible, and reducing bladder irritants such as caffeine all help reduce stress incontinence.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or continence service about leaking urine when you cough, laugh or exercise — it is common and often very treatable. Report any blood in the urine or pain, which need separate assessment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Stress urinary incontinence: frequently asked questions
What causes stress incontinence?
Weakening of the pelvic-floor muscles and supporting tissues, so they cannot hold urine in when the bladder is under pressure. It is often linked to pregnancy, childbirth, the menopause, weight and ageing, and in men can follow prostate surgery.
Can stress incontinence be cured?
It can often be significantly improved or cured, most commonly with pelvic-floor muscle training and lifestyle measures. If these are not enough, devices, procedures or surgery are options. It is well worth seeking help.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG123 — Urinary incontinence in women
- NHS — Urinary incontinence
Related conditions
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