How can Medication help?

Stress incontinence is very common at the time of the menopause and therefore oestrogen therapy is often used as part of the treatment, and is also often given before surgery to improve the quality of the pelvic floor tissue. Oestrogen therapy can be given as tablets, as a skin patch, or as a hormone implant. It may also be given as a vaginal ring, or as a cream or tablet that is inserted into the vagina.

In urge incontinence, the bladder becomes over active, and will involuntarily contract before it is full and sometimes without warning. This results in an urgent desire to get to the bathroom. Certain drugs may be prescribed which help "calm" the bladder thus reducing the number of unwanted and inappropriate bladder contractions.

How Can Devices Help?

Intravaginal devices that are easy to insert support the bladder neck and can help prevent leaking. They are useful for women who only leak in certain situations, such as when undertaking strenuous exercise.

A little cap fixed at the opening of the urethra by special adhesive can help to catch leaks. 

Alternatively there are small devices that can be inserted into the urethra, but they need to be removed for urination.. They are more difficult to use than the other devices but they may be the best solution for some women.

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