How medicines fit in
 
If lifestyle changes don't help, your doctor may suggest medication or surgery to help you manage your bladder problems. What he or she recommends will depend on the kind of bladder problems you are experiencing.  
 
It is important to note that you can maximise the effectiveness of the medication you are taking by also making some changes to your lifestyle and eating habits. 
 
Types of medicine for bladder problems 
Medicines for bladder problems include:  
 

• Anticholinergics, for overactive bladder symptoms work on your bladder muscles and reduce the strength of squeeze, allowing the bladder to hold more urine.  
   
  
• Oestrogen – which has been shown to help women who are experiencing stress incontinence. 
   
  
• Antidepressants   which can stop the bladder from contracting and make the bladder muscles hold in your urine better.

 
Your doctor or continence advisor will help you decide which of these options, if any, is most appropriate for you.