As a board-certified urologist, I can tell you that my patients fear urinary incontinence (any unexpected loss of urine).  

There are 3 main levels when considering if you have incontinence and should see a doctor. 

• Mild stress urinary incontinence - a small, drip of urine with sneeze or cough that requires a pantyliner, which can improve with kegel exercises.  Loss <20g on a 24-hour pad test.
  (DEMO: Small Bowl, slow drip)

• Moderate stress urinary incontinence -  moderate loss of urine 1-3 tablespoons, needing a change of pad several times a day. Pad test 20-70g in 24 hours.
  (DEMO: Medium Bowl, slow drip, more water)

• Severe stress incontinence - heavy, frequent loss of urine, sometimes with a solid stream several times per day.  Often soaking through clothes, requiring high absorbing products such as large briefs or catheters. Loss of >70g
  (DEMO: Large Bowl, steady stream, more water)

When to see a doctor

Adults don't want to go back to wetting the bed. The good news is there are simple, easy treatments that can fix it for those with mild incontinence. Often, mothers deal with this on some level.  

• Mild - kegel exercises, squeezing pelvic floor muscles using quick fast-twitch fibers, along with long hold for 5 sec several times per day for endurance. Other exercises such as glute bridges, slow squats, step-ups with weights, pelvic tilts, and bird dog are also options.

Simple fix for mild: stop drinking coffee or any caffeinated beverages, which can cause sudden urges and leaks. Exercise and eat properly.  Everything starts with the basics first. 
(DEMO: Coffee, Soda, Salad)

• Moderate - performed at the doctor's office - PFMR (pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation) or NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) insertion of a probe into the vagina or in men surface electrodes on the perineum and pubis to create a forced kegel exercise.

• Severe - easy, quick outpatient non-surgical options are bulking agents inserted at the bladder neck to add volume and "puff up" the opening, adding a little cushion under local anesthesia for both men and women.  Surgical options include pelvic floor support with a sling versus an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuff placed around the urethra that has a pump in the scrotum to deflate the cuff. 

As we age, staying active and eating well can help you live longer and avoid issues like urinary incontinence.