Adult Incontinence: Types, Causes, Treatment and Products That Help
Urinary incontinence is common and treatable. Learn the types, causes, pelvic floor exercises, treatment options, and how to choose underpads and adult diapers.
Medically reviewed by Doctoright Medical Review Panel · Written by Doctoright Editorial Team
Updated on · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- Urinary incontinence (accidental leakage of urine) is common, especially in women after childbirth and in older adults, but it is not a normal part of ageing that must be accepted.
- The main types are stress, urge, overflow and functional incontinence; each has different causes and treatments.
- Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, bladder training and treating constipation help many people.
- Absorbent products such as underpads, adult diapers and pull ups protect skin and dignity while you get treatment.
Leaking urine when you cough, laugh or rush to the toilet is far more common than most people realise. Embarrassment keeps many people from mentioning it to a doctor, yet incontinence can usually be improved, and sometimes cured.
Types of incontinence
| Type | What happens | Common causes |
|---|---|---|
| Stress | Leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercising | Weak pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, obesity, prostate surgery |
| Urge | Sudden, intense need to urinate, followed by leakage | Overactive bladder, urinary infections, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson's disease |
| Overflow | Frequent dribbling because the bladder doesn't empty fully | Enlarged prostate, nerve damage (e.g., from diabetes), some medicines |
| Functional | Unable to reach the toilet in time | Arthritis, dementia, limited mobility, being bedridden |
| Mixed | A combination, usually stress and urge | , |
Things that make it worse
- constipation (a full bowel presses on the bladder)
- caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks
- being overweight
- chronic cough from smoking
- certain medicines, such as diuretics
- drinking too little: concentrated urine irritates the bladder
Self help and treatment
Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises
These strengthen the muscles that support the bladder.
- Find the right muscles by imagining stopping the flow of urine or holding in wind.
- Squeeze and lift these muscles, hold for up to 10 seconds, then relax fully for 10 seconds.
- Do 10 repetitions, three times a day.
- Also practise quick squeezes.
It may take 3 months of regular practice to see results. A physiotherapist can check your technique.
Bladder training
For urge incontinence, gradually increase the time between toilet visits (for example by 15 minutes a week) to retrain the bladder.
Lifestyle changes
- Lose excess weight.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol.
- Treat constipation.
- Spread fluids through the day and reduce them in the 2 hours before bed.
Medical treatments
Depending on the type, doctors may recommend medicines for overactive bladder, treatment for an enlarged prostate, vaginal oestrogen after menopause, devices, or surgery.
Choosing incontinence products
Absorbent products protect skin, clothing and bedding while treatment takes effect, or for long term care.
- Disposable underpads: flat, absorbent sheets with a waterproof backing, placed on the bed or chair. Ideal for bedridden patients, during nappy free time for skin, after childbirth, or after surgery. Larger sizes (60 × 90 cm) cover more area.
- Adult diapers (tape style): best for people who are mostly in bed or need help with changes.
- Pull up pants: worn like underwear, best for people who are mobile.
- Pads and liners, for light leakage.
Tips:
- Match absorbency to the amount of leakage.
- Check the fit: products that are too big or too small leak.
- Change promptly to protect skin, and use a barrier cream.
- For caregivers, see our guide to caring for a bedridden patient.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if incontinence affects your daily life, and promptly if you have burning when passing urine, blood in the urine, fever, difficulty emptying your bladder, or new leakage along with weakness or numbness in the legs.
How we reviewed this article: 3 sources
Doctoright has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer reviewed studies, academic research institutions and medical associations. Learn more.
- NHS. Urinary incontinence.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Bladder control problems in women.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management (NG123).
Last medically reviewed on 6 October 2026. Originally published 14 September 2026.