Urinary incontinence is the inability to control urination, or the accidental leakage of urine. It affects up to three million people in the United States, and while it can be embarrassing, it’s treatable.

There are several different types of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence is caused by physical activity or movement (such as coughing, sneezing, or laughing) that pressurizes the bladder, leading to leakage. Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder or a detrusor muscle that contracts too strongly, leading to an urgent need to urinate. This can lead to leakage, even if it is for a small amount of urine. Overflow incontinence is caused by a blocked urethra, leading to poor bladder emptying. Mixed incontinence is a combination of two or more of the aforementioned types.

The primary symptoms of urinary incontinence include leakage of urine, frequent urination, inability to control urination, and an urgent need to urinate. Other associated symptoms may include pain when urinating, difficulty controlling the speed of urine flow, and an increased chance of urinary tract infections.

Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on its cause and can include lifestyle modifications, medications, and in some cases, surgery. A doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as drinking less liquids, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, or taking medications that treat overactive bladder or relax the bladder muscles. Surgery may be suggested if lifestyle adjustments and medications don’t work and the underlying cause is severe.

Urinary incontinence is embarrassing, but it’s a treatable condition. If you’re having symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Together, you and your doctor can come up with an effective treatment plan to get you feeling better and back in control.