Urinary incontinence means leaking urine when you do not intend to. It can happen with coughing or exercise, with a sudden need to wee, or in other situations. Help is available, and the right approach depends on what is causing the leakage. You can ask for help even if the leaks are small, and you do not need to wait until they disrupt your life.

This guide focuses on adults. A GP, continence nurse or pelvic health physiotherapist can help you discuss what is happening and what matters most to you. Continence Health Australia explains where to start with bladder changes.

Last updated 30 October 2026

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What can different leakage patterns mean?

The names below describe patterns that help guide assessment. You may have more than one, and they do not establish the cause on their own.

Leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise can fit stress incontinence. Here, “stress” means physical pressure on the bladder, not emotional stress.
Leaks with a sudden, hard-to-delay need to wee can fit urgency incontinence. You may also need the toilet more often or wake at night.
Both patterns together are called mixed incontinence.
Dribbling or leakage with difficulty emptying can happen when urine remains in the bladder. Mention a weak stream, straining or a persistent feeling of fullness.
Not reaching or using the toilet in time may relate to mobility, clothing, toilet access or other support needs.

Why might it happen?

Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, constipation and a long-term cough can contribute to some leakage patterns. Previous surgery, medicines, infections and conditions affecting the nerves or muscles may also matter. Leakage does not automatically mean your pelvic-floor muscles are weak, and a sudden change deserves assessment rather than an assumption that it is part of ageing.

Continence Health Australia explains factors that can contribute to stress incontinence.

How can telehealth help with urinary leakage?

A telehealth GP can discuss when leakage happens, whether you have urgency or difficulty emptying, and how symptoms affect your life. They can review your medicines, previous urine results and any bladder diary you already have. Your bowel habits, pregnancies, previous surgery and other health conditions can also help guide the assessment.

The doctor can then recommend the next step. This may include a urine test, an in-person examination, a bladder scan to check emptying, or referral to a continence nurse or pelvic health physiotherapist. They can also discuss suitable treatment and prescribe when clinically appropriate. Not everyone needs the same investigations or an examination at every appointment.

If tests or an examination are needed, these take place with an appropriate local provider. A follow-up telehealth appointment can cover the findings, treatment options and how the plan is working. The Australian Digital Health Agency explains telehealth and follow-up care.

What might an in-person assessment involve?

A physical examination can help assess contributors that cannot be checked through a conversation alone. If a pelvic-floor examination is recommended, it needs an in-person appointment. Your clinician should explain why it may help, what it involves and ask for your consent.

A short bladder diary may also help show patterns in drinks, toilet visits and leaks. It supports assessment; it does not diagnose the cause. You can discuss the entries during a telehealth or in-person appointment. See Continence Health Australia’s explanation of continence assessments and diaries.

What can help?

The aim is a plan that fits the leakage pattern, your health and your priorities. Options may include:

Guided pelvic-floor training. A clinician can assess whether it is suitable and help you use the muscles correctly.
Supported bladder training. For some urgency symptoms, a continence professional can help plan gradual changes to toilet habits after checking possible causes.
Addressing contributing problems. This might include constipation, a persistent cough or a medicine review. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own.
Practical support. Suitable continence products, easier toilet access and help with clothing or mobility can make daily life more manageable while care is arranged.

Medicines or specialist procedures may be considered for some people if symptoms remain troublesome. Discuss expected benefits, possible harms and alternatives for your situation. You can return for review if the first approach does not help enough.

Read about care options at healthdirect and supported bladder-control strategies.

Preparing for an appointment

Have available any notes you already have about when leaks happen, urgency, pain, night-time toilet visits and how symptoms affect activities or sleep. Have your medicine list and previous urine results handy if available.

You might ask: “What could explain this pattern?”, “Which approach should we try first?” and “When should we review whether it is helping?” You do not need to complete a diary before asking for care.

When to seek help sooner

Go to an emergency department if your bladder feels full but you cannot wee at all. This needs urgent assessment, even if you have also been leaking. See healthdirect’s advice on urinary retention.

Call 000 if back pain comes with new loss of bladder or bowel control, or loss of feeling or movement in your limbs. These symptoms can need emergency care. Read healthdirect’s back-pain warning signs.

Contact a doctor straight away for blood in your urine, even without pain.

New burning, pain or rapidly changing urinary symptoms also need medical assessment rather than simply increasing exercises or using more pads.

Go to an emergency department if you have fever or chills with back or side pain, nausea or vomiting. These can be signs of a kidney infection. See healthdirect’s UTI warning signs.