Urinary incontinence assessment & treatment
Urinary Incontinence Assessment & Treatment for Stress, Urgency & Mixed Bladder Leakage
Quick answer
Urinary incontinence means involuntary leakage of urine, but the cause is not always the same. Stress incontinence causes leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercise. Urgency incontinence causes sudden “need to go now” leakage. Mixed incontinence has both patterns. Treatment should start by identifying which pattern fits you.
If you leak urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze, run, lift, or cannot always reach the toilet in time, you are not alone. Many women delay asking for help because they feel embarrassed or assume leakage is just part of childbirth, menopause or ageing.
At The Women’s Health Clinic, we start with a careful assessment of your leakage pattern, triggers, medical history and red flags. Conservative care such as supervised pelvic floor training, bladder training and lifestyle support is usually discussed first.
For selected women with stress-dominant leakage, clinic-based options such as Nu-V vaginal laser or radiofrequency may be discussed alongside conservative care, with clear counselling about suitability, evidence limitations, expected downtime and realistic outcomes.
Educational only. Not a diagnosis or medical advice. Suitability is confirmed after consultation and assessment. Results vary. Not a cure. Red-flag urinary symptoms should be assessed promptly.
At a glance
A clear overview of how we approach urinary leakage, stress incontinence and selected non-surgical options.
Stress leakage
Leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, running or exercise.
Urgency leakage
Sudden urge, frequency, waking at night or not reaching the toilet in time.
First-line care
Pelvic floor training, bladder training, lifestyle support and red-flag screening.
Clinic options
Nu-V laser or RF may be discussed in selected stress-dominant cases.
Reviews
Experiences shared by women like you
Real feedback from women who felt listened to, supported and cared for throughout their journey.
Fantastic service by everyone. I could talk openly without feeling embarrassed, and everything was explained clearly. The team made me feel so comfortable and at ease.
Finally, a place that explains everything fully. The staff put my mind at ease and I felt listened to, understood, and given sound advice.
Katy went above and beyond making me feel comfortable and making sure I understood everything that was happening and what to expect. Very nice and clean facilities.
Many women wait years before asking for help
Urinary leakage is common, but it can feel embarrassing and isolating. These are the kinds of concerns women commonly raise in intimate health consultations.
“
I leak when I cough, laugh or exercise, and I have started planning my day around it.
“
I keep wearing pads, but I want to understand whether anything can actually help.
“
I am not sure whether this is stress leakage, urgency, or both.
“
Pelvic floor exercises helped a little, but I still want to know what other options exist.
These are representative concerns commonly discussed in consultations, not individual verified patient reviews.
Treatment pathway
Pattern first, then a pathway matched to the type of leakage
Urinary incontinence treatment depends on whether symptoms are stress-dominant, urgency-dominant or mixed. Conservative care such as pelvic floor training, bladder training and lifestyle changes is usually discussed first. Nu-V laser or RF may be considered only in selected stress-dominant cases.
Indicative prices
Treatment prices from
Prices are shown as a broad guide only. Final treatment choice, suitability and package recommendation depend on consultation, assessment and the likely pattern of symptoms. Please also refer to the main pricing page for the latest prices.
Nu-V / CO₂ laser
From £599
Single session; nurse-led / doctor-led options may differ.
Laser course
From £1,200
Course of 3 pricing may vary by clinician.
RF
From £699
Single treatment.
RF course
From £2,300
Course of 4 where suitable.
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Treatment planning and suitability are confirmed after consultation and assessment.
Helpful videos on urinary leakage, stress incontinence and treatment choices
These videos support the page by explaining related symptoms, clinical considerations and what to think about before deciding on a pathway.
Can intimate exosomes treat stress urinary incontinence? | WHC Clinical FAQ
Can the O-Shot help with urinary incontinence? | WHC Clinical FAQ
Can the O-Shot help stress incontinence? | WHC Clinical FAQ
PRP and Incontinence
The Womens Health Clinic Incontinence Part 1
Before treatment, we identify your leakage pattern
Urinary incontinence is not one single condition. Leakage with coughing, sneezing or exercise is different from sudden urgency or frequency. Mixed symptoms need a different conversation again. Assessment helps avoid using the wrong treatment for the wrong pattern.
We review when leakage happens, whether it is triggered by pressure, urgency or both, whether symptoms started after childbirth or menopause, and whether there are red flags such as blood in urine, recurrent infections, pelvic pain, neurological symptoms or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Depending on your assessment, your plan may involve pelvic floor training, bladder training, lifestyle support, GP or specialist referral, Nu-V vaginal laser, RF, or a combined pathway where clinically appropriate.
Stress leakage
Leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, running or exercise.
Urgency leakage
Sudden urge, frequency, nocturia or not reaching the toilet in time.
Mixed symptoms
Both stress triggers and urgency symptoms may be present.
Red flags
Blood in urine, pain, recurrent infection, sudden severe symptoms or neurological signs need review.
How we assess urinary incontinence before recommending treatment
The safest urinary incontinence plan starts with identifying the leakage pattern. Stress, urgency and mixed incontinence may feel similar day to day, but they are managed differently.
Your consultation is private, practical and focused on what happens in real life: when you leak, what triggers it, what you have already tried, and whether anything needs medical review first.
Step 1
Symptom pattern
We ask whether you leak with coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, lifting or exercise, whether you get sudden urges, how often you pass urine, and whether you wake at night.
Step 2
Life stage and medical context
Childbirth, menopause, pelvic floor history, surgery, medication, recurrent infections, diabetes, weight change, chronic cough and exercise habits can all affect bladder control.
Step 3
Screening for red flags
Blood in urine, recurrent UTIs, pelvic pain, sudden severe symptoms, neurological symptoms, difficulty emptying or continuous dribbling may need GP or urgent medical review.
Foundation
Conservative care first
Pelvic floor muscle training, bladder training and lifestyle support are usually first-line discussions, especially before considering clinic-based laser or RF options.
Pathway
Matching treatment to the dominant symptom
Stress-dominant symptoms may lead to one pathway. Urgency-dominant symptoms may need bladder training and GP or specialist pathways. Mixed symptoms need careful prioritisation.
Options
Discussing laser and RF carefully
Nu-V laser or RF may be discussed for selected women with stress-dominant leakage, with clear explanation of evidence limitations, aftercare, pricing and realistic expectations.
You do not need to self-diagnose
The purpose of assessment is to make the next step clearer
Many women arrive unsure whether leakage is stress, urgency, mixed, infection-related, menopause-related or something that needs GP review. A structured assessment helps separate what is likely and what needs checking.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence means involuntary leakage of urine. It can affect women after childbirth, during perimenopause or menopause, with pelvic floor changes, after surgery, alongside recurrent infections, or due to bladder overactivity.
The most important first step is identifying the pattern. Stress incontinence, urgency incontinence and mixed incontinence need different management priorities. That is why the trigger matters as much as the leakage itself.
Stress urinary incontinence
Leakage happens when pressure rises inside the abdomen and the bladder outlet is not supported strongly enough to stay closed.
Urgency incontinence
Leakage happens with a sudden compelling urge to pass urine that is difficult to defer. Frequency and night-time waking may also be present.
Mixed incontinence
Some women have both stress and urgency symptoms. Treatment usually focuses on the dominant or most disruptive pattern first.
The balanced way to think about urinary leakage
Urinary leakage should not be reduced to pads or one procedure. Some women need pelvic floor rehabilitation. Others need bladder training or GP review. Some stress-dominant cases may discuss Nu-V laser or RF, but only after pattern, red flags and conservative options have been reviewed.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Vaginal birth, large babies, instrumental delivery and pelvic floor strain can affect continence support.
Menopause and tissue change
Menopause-related tissue change, dryness and reduced support may contribute to urinary symptoms.
Pressure and lifestyle factors
Chronic cough, constipation, high-impact exercise and weight changes may worsen leakage.
Bladder irritation and infection
UTIs, bladder irritation, caffeine, alcohol and overactive bladder symptoms may change the pathway.
Why identifying the pattern matters
Stress leakage, urgency leakage and mixed leakage can overlap, but they are not managed in exactly the same way. The aim of assessment is to identify the most likely driver, decide whether red flags need GP or specialist review, and then choose the safest pathway.
Medical note: urinary incontinence requires assessment when symptoms are persistent, sudden, severe, associated with pain, blood in urine, recurrent infection, neurological symptoms or difficulty emptying.
Who may benefit from urinary incontinence assessment and treatment planning?
Assessment is useful for women who leak urine, avoid activities, rely on pads, feel unsure whether symptoms are stress or urgency related, or want to understand conservative and selected clinic-based options.
Stress-pattern leakage
You leak with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise, lifting, running or jumping and want to understand your options.
Mild to moderate symptoms
Leakage affects confidence or daily life, but symptoms are not sudden, severe, continuous or associated with concerning red flags.
Postpartum leakage
You still leak beyond the early recovery period after childbirth and want a structured review rather than being told to simply wait.
Perimenopause or menopause symptoms
Urinary symptoms have appeared or worsened around hormonal and tissue changes, especially alongside dryness, urgency or recurrent irritation.
Prefer to avoid or delay surgery
You want to understand conservative care and selected non-surgical options before considering referral for more invasive treatment.
Need red-flag or GP review advice
You have blood in urine, recurrent infections, pelvic pain, sudden severe leakage, difficulty emptying or neurological symptoms and need guidance on the safest next step.
Not every leak has the same cause
The right option depends on the pattern and safety checks
Some women need pelvic floor support. Others need bladder training, infection review, GP assessment or specialist referral. Selected stress-dominant cases may discuss laser or RF after proper assessment.
Urinary incontinence treatment options
Treatment depends on the type of leakage. Stress urinary incontinence, urgency incontinence and mixed symptoms do not always need the same pathway. Conservative care is usually discussed first.
Our role is to identify the dominant pattern, screen for symptoms that need medical review, and explain which options are appropriate, which are not, and where evidence is still developing.
Supervised pelvic floor muscle training
Pelvic floor muscle training is usually a core first-line option for stress urinary incontinence. Technique matters. Many women benefit from professional guidance rather than trying to guess the right exercises alone.
Bladder training and lifestyle support
Bladder training may be especially important where urgency, frequency or mixed symptoms are present. Hydration, caffeine, constipation, weight, cough and exercise load can also affect symptoms.
Nu-V vaginal laser
Nu-V vaginal laser may be discussed for selected women with mild-to-moderate stress-dominant leakage, usually alongside conservative care. It is not suitable for every type of incontinence and is not a guaranteed cure.
Radiofrequency treatment
RF may be discussed in selected cases as a gentle warmth-based treatment option. Suitability depends on symptoms, medical history, devices such as pacemakers or certain IUDs, and clinical assessment.
GP, pelvic floor physiotherapy or specialist referral
Some symptoms should not be managed as elective incontinence treatment. Blood in urine, recurrent infections, neurological symptoms, difficulty emptying, sudden severe leakage or continuous dribbling may need GP, urology or urgent review.
Why this balanced approach matters
The aim is not to sell one treatment for every type of leakage. It is to understand the trigger pattern, consider conservative care first, screen for red flags and discuss clinic options only where they fit the symptom pattern and safety profile.
Urinary incontinence treatment prices
Pricing depends on whether clinic-based treatment is suitable after assessment. Pelvic floor training, bladder training and GP/specialist pathways may also be part of your plan.
Prices below are indicative and subject to change. Final recommendations depend on consultation, symptom pattern, red-flag screening, examination findings where appropriate, medical history and suitability. Please also refer to our latest pricing page.
Before choosing a treatment
The right pathway depends on the dominant leakage pattern
Nu-V laser and RF are mainly discussed for selected stress-dominant leakage. Urgency-dominant symptoms usually need a different approach, often including bladder training and GP or specialist review where indicated.
Nu-V / fractional CO₂ laser
Nu-V laser may be discussed for selected women with stress-dominant leakage, usually as part of a broader plan that includes conservative care and realistic counselling.
Nurse-led single session
£599
Indicative single-session price.
Doctor-led single session
£799
Indicative single-session price.
Nurse-led course of 3
£1,200
Indicative course pricing.
Doctor-led course of 3
£1,800
Indicative course pricing.
Radiofrequency treatment
£699
Single treatment
£2,300
Course of 4
What treatment fees include
Consultation and assessment, clinician-delivered treatment, consumables and medical supplies, aftercare guidance, follow-up assessment and ongoing support.
Prices are indicative and may be updated. Final treatment planning and suitability are confirmed after consultation and assessment. Please refer to the latest WHC pricing page for current pricing.
Urinary incontinence safety, suitability and red-flag checks
Before any clinic-based treatment, we screen for infections, contraindications and symptoms that need GP or urgent medical review first.
Some women are suitable for selected clinic treatment. Others first need infection treatment, GP assessment, pelvic floor physiotherapy, urology or urogynaecology review.
Contraindications and reasons to postpone
Pregnancy or trying to conceive
Elective energy-based treatment is not recommended during pregnancy and may be postponed if you are actively trying to conceive.
Active urinary or vaginal infection
Active UTI, thrush, BV or other vaginal infection should be treated and resolved before elective procedures.
Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
Any unexplained vaginal bleeding should be medically assessed before treatment.
Recent pelvic radiation or complex pelvic care
Recent pelvic radiation therapy, complex pelvic surgery or specialist pelvic care history requires clinician review and may affect suitability.
Symptoms that need medical review
Blood in urine
Blood in urine should be assessed because it may indicate infection, stones or other causes that need investigation.
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Recurrent UTIs should be investigated rather than treated as simple incontinence.
New pelvic pain or sudden worsening
New pain, fever with urinary symptoms, or sudden severe incontinence should be medically reviewed.
Neurological or emptying symptoms
Numbness, weakness, saddle numbness, bowel changes or difficulty emptying the bladder needs urgent review.
Confidential review
Not sure what your leakage pattern means?
If you are unsure whether symptoms are stress leakage, urgency, infection-related or something needing GP review, a structured discussion can help make the safest next step clearer.
This list is not exhaustive. Final suitability depends on symptoms, examination findings where appropriate, medical history, infection status, medication, devices and the specific treatment being considered.
Frequently asked questions about urinary incontinence treatment
These are some of the most common questions women ask when bladder leakage begins to affect daily life, confidence, exercise or intimacy.
We answer them clearly while keeping the message medically cautious: treatment depends on the type of incontinence and suitability.
How do I know if I have stress or urgency incontinence?
Why do I leak urine when I laugh or cough?
Is urinary leakage just a normal part of ageing or having babies?
What is usually first-line treatment?
Do I need to try pelvic floor exercises before laser or RF?
Can stress incontinence be treated without surgery?
How many treatment sessions will I need?
Does laser or RF treatment hurt?
What is the downtime after treatment?
When will I see results?
Are results permanent?
What are the risks and side effects?
Is laser or RF better than surgery?
Can I have treatment if I have a coil or IUD?
What if I am not suitable for laser or RF?
Still unsure?
Have a question that is not covered here?
Urinary leakage is often more nuanced than one short answer can capture. A structured discussion can help separate stress, urgency, mixed and red-flag symptoms.
Practical ways to support bladder control at home
Self-care is not a replacement for medical assessment, but it can help you understand triggers, reduce avoidable bladder irritation and support the pelvic floor while the right pathway is being clarified.
These measures are most useful when they are consistent and matched to your leakage pattern — stress, urgency or mixed.
Pelvic floor training with proper technique
Pelvic floor exercises can be highly useful for stress leakage, but many women are unsure whether they are squeezing, lifting or relaxing correctly. Technique matters.
Focus on both contraction and full relaxation — over-tightening can create other pelvic floor problems.
If exercises are not helping, a pelvic health physiotherapist may help confirm technique and progression.
Try to link exercises to daily habits so they become consistent rather than occasional.
Bladder training and urge control
If urgency, frequency or rushing to the toilet are part of the picture, bladder training and trigger awareness may be more relevant than treatment aimed only at stress leakage.
Track how often you pass urine, when urgency happens and whether leakage follows specific triggers.
Avoid repeatedly going “just in case” if this is reinforcing urgency patterns.
Urgency symptoms that are sudden, painful or linked with infection signs should be medically reviewed.
Review bladder irritants and pressure triggers
Bladder leakage can be affected by fluid timing, caffeine, alcohol, constipation, chronic coughing and repeated pressure on the pelvic floor.
Avoid over-restricting fluids — concentrated urine can irritate the bladder and worsen urgency.
Consider whether caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks or acidic drinks worsen frequency or urgency.
Manage constipation and chronic coughing where possible, as both increase pelvic pressure.
Know when not to self-manage
Some urinary symptoms need medical review before elective treatment is discussed.
Seek review for blood in urine, fever, pelvic pain, recurrent UTIs or sudden worsening.
Urgent review is needed for new neurological symptoms, saddle numbness, weakness or bowel changes.
Difficulty emptying, continuous dribbling or sudden severe incontinence should be medically assessed.
When home measures are not enough
Ongoing leakage deserves proper assessment
If leakage keeps affecting exercise, work, sleep, social plans or confidence, the most useful next step is a structured review of the pattern rather than simply using pads or avoiding activities.
Common myths about urinary incontinence
Misconceptions are one reason many women delay getting help. Leakage is common, but it should not be dismissed as something you simply have to live with.
These myth-versus-reality cards are designed to give balanced reassurance while keeping treatment expectations realistic.
“Urinary incontinence is just a normal part of ageing.”
Incontinence becomes more common with age, but it is not inevitable and it should not be ignored. Many women improve with the right assessment, pelvic floor support and treatment plan.
“There is nothing you can do after having babies.”
Postpartum leakage is common, but it is often treatable. Supervised pelvic floor rehabilitation, bladder support and selected clinic options may be discussed depending on the pattern and severity.
“Pelvic floor exercises do not work.”
Pelvic floor exercises can help many women, but correct technique and consistency matter. Some women need supervised pelvic floor physiotherapy rather than generic advice.
“You should drink less water to stop leaks.”
Over-restricting fluids can concentrate urine and worsen urgency or irritation. The goal is usually sensible hydration and timing rather than dehydration.
“Pads are the only solution.”
Pads manage leakage but do not treat the cause. Many women benefit from assessment, pelvic floor support, bladder training, lifestyle changes or selected medical options.
“Laser or RF is a miracle cure.”
Laser and RF may help selected women with stress-dominant symptoms, but outcomes vary and long-term evidence is still developing. Conservative care and careful counselling remain important.
Need clarity?
It is okay not to know which type of leakage you have
Many women arrive unsure whether symptoms are stress, urgency, mixed, infection-related or menopause-related. A proper review helps replace guesswork with a safer plan.
More about urinary incontinence, pelvic floor support and clinic options
Urinary leakage is rarely just a practical nuisance. It can affect exercise, work, social plans, sleep, intimacy and confidence. Understanding the pattern can make treatment planning clearer.
These expandable sections give extra context for women who want to understand the condition more deeply before deciding what questions to ask in consultation.
Conservative care: pelvic floor and bladder training
Conservative care is often the foundation. Pelvic floor muscle training is especially relevant for stress leakage. Bladder training is especially relevant for urgency and frequency symptoms.
If exercises have not helped, the issue may be technique, consistency, severity, mixed symptoms or a need for specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Laser and RF: where they may fit
Nu-V laser
May be discussed for selected stress-dominant symptoms, typically as a course and with pelvic rest guidance after treatment.
RF
A warmth-based option that may be discussed in selected cases, with suitability checks for devices and medical history.
Evidence limitations and why expectations matter
Why the wording stays cautious
Energy-based procedures for urinary incontinence are an evolving area. Evidence, protocols and long-term outcomes vary, so women should be counselled clearly about benefits, limitations, alternatives and uncertainty.
Results vary. These treatments are not guaranteed cures and are not suitable for every type of incontinence.
Side effects and aftercare guidance
Possible temporary effects
Mild sensitivity, light spotting, watery discharge, temporary swelling or tenderness may occur depending on treatment type.
Aftercare
Laser may require several days of pelvic rest. RF may involve shorter precautions. Your clinician provides method-specific guidance.
Bladder leakage, confidence and quality of life
Planning and avoidance
Some women stop exercising, avoid certain clothes, plan toilet access or avoid social plans because of leakage.
Confidence and intimacy
Leakage can affect confidence, intimacy and mood. A clear plan can reduce uncertainty and help women feel less alone.
Ready to ask better questions?
Understanding the leakage pattern can make consultation clearer
You do not need to know the answer in advance. But understanding stress, urgency and mixed symptoms can help you get more from a consultation.
Further support and helpful next steps
Bladder leakage can feel embarrassing, but it is a common medical concern. Getting help early can reduce avoidant behaviour and help you understand what is actually driving the symptoms.
These suggestions are here to support informed conversations — not to replace individual assessment.
Useful topics to read about
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Helpful if leakage is linked to childbirth, pelvic pressure, heaviness or reduced support.
Vaginal dryness and GSM
Helpful if menopause-related dryness, tissue change or urinary symptoms are present together.
Vaginal laxity and reduced support
Helpful if leakage sits alongside reduced tone, air trapping or childbirth-related support changes.
What to bring to consultation
Leakage pattern
What triggers leakage, how often it happens, whether urgency is present, and whether symptoms affect exercise, work, sleep or intimacy.
Medical and pelvic history
Childbirth, pelvic surgery, prolapse symptoms, recurrent UTIs, menopause status, medications, diabetes, neurological symptoms or previous physiotherapy.
Questions and preferences
Whether you want to avoid surgery, understand conservative care, discuss laser/RF, ask about downtime or clarify when GP referral is needed.
Reference themes
What our page is broadly guided by
Urinary incontinence guidance covering stress, urgency and mixed symptom patterns.
Conservative management guidance, including supervised pelvic floor muscle training and bladder training.
Cautious interpretation of energy-based treatments where long-term evidence is still developing.
Next step
You do not need to manage leakage alone
If urinary leakage is affecting confidence, activity, sleep or social plans, the most useful next step is a structured review of the pattern and safety checks.
Educational only. This page is designed to support informed discussion and does not replace individual medical assessment. Suitability, diagnosis and treatment planning depend on symptoms, history, examination findings where appropriate and the specific treatment being considered.
Clinical references and further reading
This page is informed by clinical resources relevant to urinary incontinence, pelvic floor support, bladder training, red-flag symptoms and selected energy-based procedures.
5. NICE IPG696
Interventional procedures guidance on energy-based treatment recommendations.
View sourceEducational only. These references are provided for transparency and further reading. They do not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalised treatment planning.
