Your bladder/urinary symptoms will vary depending on the underlying cause. The basic function of your urinary system is to store urine in your bladder and empty it through your urethra.

Typical symptoms of urinary incontinence

• Urine leakage
• Small or large amounts of urine leaking without warning or without feeling the urge to go to the toilet
• Involuntarily leakage when sneezing, coughing, laughing or exercising
• A sudden urge to rush to the toilet to urinate
• The need to get up to pass urine two or more times a night (nocturia)

Do you experience any of the above symptoms?

If you are a man, you can see which male incontinence solutions fits your needs.

If you are a woman, we recommend that you consult a healthcare professional. You can learn more about female incontinence here.

Typical symptoms of urinary retention

• Discomfort 
• Urgent sense to urinate but inability to start the urine flow
• Frequent visits to the toilet
• Dribble due to overflow incontinence
• Weak flow
• Bloated lower abdomen

Do you experience any of the above symptoms?

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When to get in contact with your healthcare professional

Many people who experience bladder issues are hesitant to see their healthcare professional, because they find it embarrassing. In order to clarify what is causing the symptoms and to rule out anything potentially serious, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Medical conditions causing bladder/urinary problems are generally categorised either as neurogenic or non-neurogenic. Some conditions can cause urinary retention or may completely prevent the bladder from emptying and require catheterisation. Some conditions can cause urinary incontinence in which case a collecting device (urisheath and bag) offers a comfortable solution for men, or incontinence pads for women.

Neurogenic conditions causing urinary problems

Conditions causing damage to the nervous system include: 

• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spina bifida
• Diabetes mellitus
• Stroke

Symptoms vary depending on where the neurological damage occurs and how severe it is.

Other medical conditions causing bladder issues

An example of a non-neurogenic medical condition causing urinary problems is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) also known as enlarged prostate. Men diagnosed with BPH have an enlarged prostate which can have an impact on their daily life as urinary symptoms may appear as the prostate grows. Symptoms can become very bothersome and if severe, an intermittent catheter, medicine or an operation may be needed.  

• Weakening of the pelvic floor due to age or childbirth
• BPH (enlarged prostate)
• Prostate or bladder surgery
• Bladder cancer
• Aging

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Read more about neurogenic bladder and how to take care of your bladder.

The result of having lost proper control from the central nervous system due to a neurological disorder is a neurogenic bladder.

Neurogenic bladder may occur as a consequence of:

• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spina bifida
• Type 2 diabetes
• Parkinson 
• Stroke
• Brain tumours 

A neurogenic bladder means that the normal process of filling and emptying the bladder is not working properly, so the bladder either fills without proper emptying or it empties unexpectedly. Urinary symptoms vary depending on where the neurological damage occurs and how severe it is.

Different types of neurogenic bladder

A neurogenic bladder may be retentive, meaning it retains urine which could cause infection or other serious problems, or it may be overactive. An overactive bladder is typically caused by spasms of the muscles of the bladder and mainly associated with symptoms of urge incontinence.

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The symptoms of a neurogenic bladder must be properly managed. If the bladder has lost its inherent ability to empty the recommended solution is catheterisation. If the bladder empties unexpectedly the recommended solution is a urine drainage bag to avoid wetting. Read more about symptoms and how to take care of your bladder.

Urine is produced in the kidneys, and flows from the kidneys into the bladder via the ureters. The bladder stores urine until the urethra carries it out of the body. This flow, from the bladder to the urethra, is controlled by the urethral sphincters, which open and close the bladder outlet. The sphincters, in turn, are controlled by the pelvic floor muscles. The healthy bladder expels urine in a controlled, usually voluntary fashion, and the average person urinates 4-8 times a day. 

Bladder activity is regulated by the central and peripheral nervous systems. You feel the need to urinate when the stretch receptors in the bladder tell the brain that the bladder is full. However, with bladder dysfunction, you may not be able to inhibit the urge to pass urine. Problems with the bladder may result in urinary incontinence or urine retention.

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. There are different types of urinary incontinence, each with different symptoms and causes.

Urinary retention

Urinary retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract, a bladder muscle weakness or by a neurogenic condition e.g. multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or spina bifida all of which interfere with signals between the brain and the bladder, resulting in a dysfunction in the urinary system.

Neurogenic bladder

Neurological conditions can cause damage to the nervous system affecting the bladder and resulting in urinary retention (see above) or an overactive bladder which has symptoms of both urge incontinence and leakage. 

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Learn more about neurogenic bladder, symptoms and causes of urinary retention and urinary incontinence.

Bladder problems must be properly managed, if left untreated they could result in serious health issues. 

There are many options available to help manage bladder problems:

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Bladder retraining
• Catheters
• Collecting devices
• Lifestyle changes
• Medication
• Surgery

Pelvic floor exercises

Pelvic floor exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help reduce urinary incontinence.

• Slowly contract and lift the pelvic floor muscles and hold the position for five seconds, then release
• Quickly contract and release the pelvic floor muscles

You will need to do the exercises regularly and it may take several months before you see a significant improvement.

Bladder retraining

Bladder retraining to help reduce urinary incontinence aims to gradually stretch the bladder so that it can hold larger volumes of urine.

Catheters

Intermittent self catheterisation (ISC) is an effective bladder management technique based on the regular and complete emptying of the bladder by using a catheter. People who catheterise to empty their bladder typically need to do so 4-6 times a day.  Learn more about Coloplast catheters for men and women).

Collecting systems (for men)

For men who leak urine (male incontinence), urisheaths are an effective and comfortable solution. The urisheath is worn over the penis and is connected to a urine bag fastened to the leg. Learn more about Coloplast products for male incontinence.

Lifestyle changes

For some people managing symptoms may include lifestyle changes, such as modifying the diet to reduce constipation and reducing the consumption of caffeinated beverages. Timing fluid intake at certain times can also be helpful so the need to urinate is more convenient and doesn’t coincide with excursions in public or sleeping at night.

Medication

Drugs are prescribed for all types of incontinence, but they are generally most useful for urge incontinence, particularly when combined with pelvic floor exercises and bladder training. Stress incontinence is usually managed without medication.

Surgery

A variety of surgical procedures are available for the treatment of bladder problems. Deciding which procedure, if any, you use depends on the type and cause of incontinence.

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A number of Coloplast products are available to help manage bladder problems:

• Female catheters
• Male catheters
• Collecting systems (urisheath and urine bag) for male incontinence

This FAQ is intended as a guide to commonly asked questions. Please always consult your healthcare professional regarding any bladder issues you are experiencing. 

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the medical term for being unable to control the release of urine. 

What is neurogenic bladder? 

Neurogenic bladder refers to a condition where neurological damage has led to bladder dysfunction.

What are the signs and symptoms of urinary incontinence?

Some typical signs and symptoms include:

• Involuntary leakage of urine without warning or without feeling the need to go to the toilet
• Involuntary leakage of urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing or exercising
• A sudden urge to rush to the toilet either before or when leaking urine
• The need to get up to pass urine two or more times a night (nocturia)

What causes urinary incontinence?

Potential causes include:

• Damage or weakness to the muscles in the pelvic floor (most commonly due to pregnancy and childbirth)
• Problems with the control of the bladder muscle (bladder overactivity and bladder underactivity)
• Neurogenic conditions that affect the voluntary release of urine (e.g. spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis or  spina bifida)
• Enlarged prostate gland 
• Urinary tract infection
• Type 2 diabetes

Is urinary incontinence a natural part of aging?

Although incontinence becomes more common with advancing age, it is not just older people who are affected. Effective solutions are available, so it should not stop you from living a full and active life, whatever your age. 

Can I still have a social life with urinary incontinence?

It is possible to manage incontinence effectively. A doctor or nurse should be able to help find a solution that makes it possible to continue a social life and everyday activities. 

Can urinary incontinence be treated?

Most types of incontinence can be treated or improved through lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, medication or surgery. If a cure is not possible,or a temporary solution is required, products such as catheters, urisheaths (for men) or absorbent products can be very helpful. 

What is a catheter?

A catheter can be used to ensure the bladder is completely emptied. It is a slim, flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra enabling the urine to drain.

Why is it important to empty my bladder?

If your bladder is not emptied regularly, it can cause urinary tract infections. These start in the bladder but can move back to the kidneys and cause serious renal damage. Even small amounts of urine left in the bladder can cause infections. 

Can I drink less so that I do not have to empty my bladder so often?

No. It is very important that you drink enough to keep the urinary system healthy. An adult should drink approximately 1500 ml per day and take in a total of about 3 litres including liquids in the daily diet.

How can I tell if I have an urinary tract infection?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary and may be subtle. They include:

• Dark-coloured and strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy urine
• Fever/sweating
• Bladder spasms
• Increased muscle contractions in your leg

If you have any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor or nurse. 

What if I get frequent urinary tract infections?

Using an intermittent catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infections. However, compared to other catheter types such as permanent (indwelling) catheters, intermittent catheters are less likely to cause urinary tract infections.

How can I prevent catheter related urinary tract infections?

There are ways to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections from catheters:

• Ensure you have clean hands and equipment when catheterising
• Drink sufficient amount of fluid during the day to wash out the urinary tract
• Make sure that the bladder is fully emptied every time you catheterise
• Speak to your healthcare professional about your catheterisation frequency and technique

Find out more

View a guide of how to catheterise.

Learn more about products for managing urinary incontinence