Urinary Incontinence in Women

Urinary incontinence may be treated with medicines. But in many cases, treatment with behavioral methods (bladder training, timed urination) and Kegel exercises are tried before medicines. These treatments, when combined with medicine, may help some women more than either treatment alone.

Medicine choices

For stress incontinence:

• Reference Antidepressant medicines, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) or imipramine (for example, Tofranil)
• Estrogen cream or gel

For urge incontinence:

• Reference Anticholinergic medicines, such as oxybutynin (for example, Oxytrol) and tolterodine (Detrol)
• Reference Imipramine (for example, Tofranil), often used in combination with an anticholinergic medicine
• Estrogen cream or gel

Reference Botulinum toxin Opens New Window (Botox) may be used in people with nervous system diseases or problems (such as multiple sclerosis or a spinal cord injury) to stop bladder contractions that cause severe urge incontinence. But Botox will only be considered if other treatments haven't worked. Botox can cause serious side effects, including not being able to urinate at all.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.