Private Urinary Incontinence Treatment in Birmingham
Specialist Urinary Incontinence Assessment and Treatment at Midlands Women’s Health
Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting women of all ages, yet many women feel embarrassed or reluctant to seek help. Whether you experience bladder leakage when coughing, sneezing or exercising, a sudden and urgent need to urinate, or difficulty controlling your bladder, urinary incontinence can often be significantly improved with the right treatment and support.
At Midlands Women’s Health, we provide specialist private urogynaecology consultations in Birmingham, offering comprehensive assessments, investigations and personalised treatment plans for women experiencing bladder control problems.
Our experienced Consultant Gynaecologists understand the physical and emotional impact of urinary incontinence and are committed to helping women regain confidence, comfort and control over their bladder health.
Book a Urinary Incontinence Consultation
If you are experiencing bladder control issues, pelvic pressure, or urinary symptoms, our uro‑gynaecology specialists can help.
Our Uro-Gynaecology Specialist
Dr Pallavi Latthe
Consultant Gynaecologist & Sub-specialist in Urogynaecology
GMC: 4753247
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine caused by difficulties controlling the bladder or urinary sphincter. It can range from occasional small leaks to more frequent episodes that interfere with everyday activities, exercise, work, sleep and intimate relationships.
Although urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, it can affect women at any stage of life, particularly following pregnancy and childbirth, during perimenopause and menopause, or when pelvic floor muscles become weakened.
There are several different types of urinary incontinence, each with different causes and treatment options.
Types of Urinary Incontinence in Women
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence occurs when pressure on the bladder causes urine to leak, often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or reduced support around the urethra.
Common triggers include:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Laughing
- Running, jumping or exercising
- Lifting heavy objects
- Sudden movements or physical exertion
Stress incontinence is particularly common following pregnancy, vaginal childbirth and menopause.
Urge Urinary Incontinence
Urge urinary incontinence occurs when you experience a sudden, intense need to urinate and are unable to reach the toilet in time.
It is often associated with an overactive bladder, where the bladder muscle contracts involuntarily.
Symptoms may include frequent urination, sudden bladder urgency, waking during the night to urinate and unexpected urine leakage.
Mixed Urinary Incontinence
Mixed urinary incontinence involves a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Women may experience urine leakage during physical activity alongside sudden, difficult-to-control urges to urinate.
Treatment is tailored to the combination of symptoms and their underlying causes.
Overflow Incontinence
Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, leading to frequent or continuous leakage of small amounts of urine.
Symptoms may include difficulty starting urination, a weak urinary stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying and repeated small leaks.
This type of incontinence requires assessment to identify possible bladder emptying difficulties or other underlying conditions.
What Causes Urinary Incontinence in Women?
There are several factors that can contribute to bladder control problems.
Pregnancy and Childbirth: Pregnancy and vaginal delivery can stretch or weaken the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues, increasing the likelihood of urinary leakage.
Menopause and Hormonal Changes: Reduced oestrogen levels during menopause can affect the tissues surrounding the bladder, urethra and vagina, potentially contributing to urinary symptoms.
Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles: The pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus and bowel. When these muscles become weakened, bladder control may be affected.
Overactive Bladder: Involuntary bladder contractions can cause urgency, frequent urination and urge incontinence.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Changes in the position and support of pelvic organs may contribute to urinary leakage or difficulties emptying the bladder.
Other Contributing Factors: Chronic constipation, obesity, persistent coughing, certain medications, neurological conditions and previous pelvic surgery can also affect bladder function.
Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence
You may benefit from a specialist urinary incontinence assessment if you experience:
- Leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising
- Sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate
- Needing to visit the toilet more frequently than usual
- Waking several times during the night to urinate
- Difficulty reaching the toilet without leakage
- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely
- Wearing pads regularly due to bladder leakage
- Avoiding exercise, social activities or intimacy because of urinary symptoms
If bladder problems are affecting your daily life, seeking specialist advice can help identify the cause and suitable treatment options.
Private Urinary Incontinence Assessment at Midlands Women’s Health
At Midlands Women’s Health in Birmingham, we offer a personalised approach to investigating and managing female urinary incontinence.
Specialist Urogynaecology Consultation
Your consultation includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history and how bladder problems are affecting your quality of life.
Your Consultant may review your pregnancy and childbirth history, menopausal symptoms, medications, previous pelvic surgery and any existing bladder or pelvic floor conditions.
Pelvic Floor and Vaginal Examination
Where clinically appropriate and with your consent, a pelvic examination may be recommended to assess pelvic floor support, vaginal tissues and signs of pelvic organ prolapse.
Urine Testing
Urine testing may be recommended to identify infection, blood in the urine or other abnormalities that could contribute to urinary symptoms.
Bladder Diary
You may be asked to complete a bladder diary recording fluid intake, frequency of urination, urgency and episodes of leakage.
This can help identify patterns and guide treatment recommendations.
Ultrasound and Further Investigations
Depending on your symptoms, pelvic or bladder ultrasound may be recommended to assess relevant pelvic structures or bladder emptying.
Some women may require additional investigations, such as urodynamic testing, to assess how the bladder stores and releases urine. Your Consultant will explain whether these are necessary and how they can be arranged.
Urinary Incontinence Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of urinary incontinence, severity of symptoms, underlying causes and your personal preferences.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder and improve urinary control.
A supervised pelvic floor muscle training programme, usually lasting at least three months for stress or mixed urinary incontinence, may be recommended.
Bladder Training
Bladder training helps improve bladder control by gradually increasing the time between toilet visits and managing urgency.
It is commonly recommended for women with urge or mixed urinary incontinence.
Lifestyle and Bladder Health Advice
Small changes may help improve symptoms, including managing fluid intake, reducing excessive caffeine consumption, addressing constipation, maintaining a healthy weight and adapting activities that trigger leakage.
Medication for Overactive Bladder
For women experiencing urge urinary incontinence or overactive bladder symptoms, medication may be considered where appropriate.
Your Consultant can discuss potential benefits, side effects and alternative treatments based on your medical history.
Vaginal Oestrogen for Menopausal Symptoms
For some women experiencing urinary symptoms alongside menopausal genitourinary changes, local vaginal oestrogen treatment may be beneficial.
Your Consultant will assess whether this is suitable for your individual circumstances.
Surgical Treatment for Urinary Incontinence
Where conservative treatments have not provided sufficient improvement, some women with stress urinary incontinence may benefit from surgical intervention.
Your Consultant can discuss the potential benefits, risks and suitability of surgical options, including specialist referral where required.
Urinary Incontinence During Menopause
Changes in oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can affect the bladder, urethra and surrounding vaginal tissues.
Women may notice increased urinary urgency, frequency, recurrent urinary tract infections or changes in bladder control.
At Midlands Women’s Health, we recognise the relationship between hormonal changes, pelvic floor health and urinary symptoms.
Our specialists can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate management, including pelvic floor support, bladder training and menopausal treatments where clinically indicated.
Why Choose Midlands Women’s Health for Uro‑Gynaecology?
At Midlands Women’s Health, we provide:
- Consultant‑led uro‑gynaecology care
- Private, confidential appointments
- Evidence‑based diagnosis and treatment pathways
- Access to advanced diagnostic tools and therapies
- Personalised, compassionate support throughout your care journey
- Services accessible for women in the Midlands and wider UK
Our specialists are experienced in supporting women with pelvic floor and bladder concerns — prioritising improved quality of life and functional outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Urinary leakage is common during pregnancy and following childbirth, particularly after vaginal delivery. However, persistent urinary incontinence should not simply be accepted as normal. Pelvic floor rehabilitation and other treatments can often improve symptoms.
Many women experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment, and some achieve complete resolution of their symptoms. The outcome depends on the type of incontinence, underlying cause and treatment selected.
Stress incontinence causes urine leakage when pressure is placed on the bladder, such as during coughing, sneezing or exercise. Urge incontinence involves a sudden, strong need to urinate, sometimes followed by leakage before reaching the toilet.
Menopause can contribute to changes in bladder and urinary tract health due to declining oestrogen levels. However, urinary incontinence may have several causes, and an assessment is important to identify appropriate treatment.
Yes. Pelvic floor muscle training is a recommended first-line treatment for many women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence. A structured, supervised programme can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control.
Leakage during coughing, sneezing or laughing is commonly associated with stress urinary incontinence. This occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the bladder and urethra cannot adequately prevent urine leakage during increased abdominal pressure.
A sudden and difficult-to-control urge to urinate may be associated with an overactive bladder or urge urinary incontinence. Other conditions, including urinary tract infections, can cause similar symptoms, so assessment is important.
Not necessarily. Many women benefit from non-surgical treatments, including pelvic floor muscle training, bladder training, lifestyle changes and medication where appropriate. Surgery is generally considered for selected women when other treatments have not been sufficiently effective.
Yes. Excess weight can increase pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, potentially worsening urinary leakage. Weight management may improve symptoms in some women.
Yes. At Midlands Women’s Health, you can arrange a private consultation to discuss bladder leakage, urinary urgency and other urogynaecological concerns without needing a GP referral.
You should seek medical advice if urinary leakage is persistent, worsening or affecting your confidence and daily activities. Symptoms such as blood in the urine, pain when urinating or difficulty emptying the bladder also require medical assessment. Sudden inability to pass urine, particularly with severe pain, requires urgent medical attention.
Useful Links
The following trusted organisations that provide reliable information.
| Organisational Name | Link | Description |
| British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) | https://bsug.org.uk/ | A UK specialist organisation dedicated to improving care for women with pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. BSUG supports healthcare professionals through education, clinical resources and patient information. |
| Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists | Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologist’s Website | Provides evidence-based information about gynaecological procedures, investigations, and treatments. |
| NHS | https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse | The UK’s publicly funded healthcare system providing evidence-based patient information on conditions, investigations and treatments.. |
Have Questions? Contact Us
Not sure which women’s health or gynaecology service is right for you?
Our friendly team at Midlands Women’s Health, a private women’s health clinic in Birmingham, is here to help
Get in Touch With Us
Address
Kat and Co, 20 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, B15 1RP
Phone
We provide fast, confidential, and patient-centered care to women across Birmingham and the Midlands.
Let us help you take the next step towards better pelvic health, personalised gynaecology care, and improved quality of life.