Can urinary incontinence be prevented?

It's not possible to avoid all the potential causes of urinary incontinence. Obesity and smoking definitely make stress incontinence worse and reduce the success rate of surgery. Multiple vaginal deliveries weaken the pelvic floor and contribute to stress incontinence.

It is, however, highly debatable whether the modern practice of elective Caesarian section should be encouraged, as this carries its own set of risks for the mother and the child. Regular pelvic floor exercises reduce the incidence of post-partum incontinence.

Bladder training can be very effective in patients with urgency and frequency, hopefully arresting symptoms before urge incontinence develops.