Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
Can urinary incontinence be cured?
The short answer: yes, in many cases it can. The right treatment depends on the type of incontinence, its severity, and your personal goals, but most women experience real improvement, and many achieve complete resolution.
It depends on the type
Not all incontinence is the same, and the treatment approach differs:
Stress incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, exercise) has some of the highest cure rates. Pelvic floor physical therapy resolves symptoms in many mild to moderate cases, and surgical procedures like the midurethral sling achieve 85-95% success rates.
Urge incontinence (sudden, intense need to urinate with leaking) is managed rather than “cured” in the traditional sense, but most women can achieve excellent control. Treatments include behavioral therapy, medications, Botox injections into the bladder, sacral neuromodulation, and tibial neuromodulation.
Mixed incontinence (a combination of both) often improves when the predominant type is addressed first.
Treatment options
For both types, lifestyle modifications (fluid management, weight optimization, avoiding irritants) and pelvic floor physical therapy are good starting points.
For stress incontinence, additional options include urethral bulking and the midurethral sling.
For urge incontinence, additional options include medications, Botox, sacral neuromodulation, and tibial neuromodulation.
The AUA guidelines don’t require step therapy (though your insurance might), so the right starting point depends on your symptoms and goals.
Why early treatment matters
Incontinence tends to worsen over time without treatment. The muscles and tissues that support bladder control can continue to weaken, and seeking help early often means simpler treatments can be effective.
Dr. Stewart’s perspective
“I follow the AUA guidelines, which don’t require step therapy. Many of my patients are pleasantly surprised — they come in thinking they need surgery, and we’re able to get them better with physical therapy and lifestyle changes alone. But for some women, moving directly to Botox, sacral neuromodulation, or tibial neuromodulation may be the best first step for their goals.”
“The biggest barrier to treatment is the belief that nothing can be done, or that leaking is just a normal part of aging. It’s neither. We have excellent tools to help, and the sooner you seek evaluation, the more options we have.”
← Learn more about Urinary Incontinence