Typically, treatment is a combination of medical treatment and behavioral changes such as not engaging in activities that cause leakage, like running or jumping. Losing weight, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake may help – nicotine, alcohol and caffeine are all irritants. There are Kegel exercises and biofeedback that can teach the body what it feels like when the correct muscles are engaged. Electrical stimulation does the same without the feedback loop.

Medication like imipramine, an antidepressant, is used to reduce bladder contractions. The least invasive surgery is the injection of collagen directly into the urethra to strengthen the walls. A sling procedure on women provides more support to urethra and bladder by rebuilding the pelvic floor structure.

Overflow Incontinence

Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder is very full, and the sphincter muscle allows urine leakage. It usually occurs when flow is constricted from the bladder while exiting the body. The condition affects both men and women. In men causes can include BPH, or nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland, urethral narrowing, and the narrowing of the bladder outlet due to scarring or excess growth of muscle tissue.

Neurological causes may include diabetes-related bladder problems, a herniated lumbar disc, nerve problems and peripheral neuropathy.

Urge Incontinence

Because the bladder contracts at inappropriate times, the sufferer feels a sudden urge to pee. The cause may be a bacterial urinary tract infection. The urethra, bladder, uterus and kidney can become infected as well.