Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center

Overflow Incontinence

Treatments for Overflow Incontinence

Treating overflow incontinence can be difficult, but for some people, treatment with a type of medication called alpha-adrenergic blocker -- including doxazosin (Cardura), prasozin (Minipress, Vasoflex), tamulosin (Flomax), and terazosin (Hytrin) -- can help relax the muscle at the base of the urethra and allow urine to pass from the bladder.

If medications do not relieve overflow incontinence, your doctor will have you use a catheter to ensure your bladder is emptied when you go to the bathroom. A catheter is a very thin tube that you can place in the urethra yourself. Your doctor or nurse can teach you how to self-catheterize. The process is simple, and single-use catheters are small enough to carry in your purse or pocket and are easy to dispose of after use.

Surgery may be needed if overflow incontinence is caused by a blockage, such as prostate enlargement.