What type of urinary incontinence is vaginal estrogen most effective in treating?

Vaginal estrogen is most effective in treating stress urinary incontinence. This type of incontinence occurs when there is an involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. The underlying cause of stress urinary incontinence is often related to weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues, which can become compromised due to factors like hormonal changes, especially during menopause.

Vaginal estrogen helps to restore the local tissue health by making the vaginal and urethral tissues more resilient and increasing the effectiveness of the pelvic support structures. By improving the integrity of these tissues, estrogen can help to reduce the frequency and severity of urine leakage experienced during physical activities. This means that it directly targets the structural changes that contribute to stress urinary incontinence, making it a suitable treatment option for individuals experiencing this condition during or after menopause.

While vaginal estrogen may have some beneficial effects on other types of urinary incontinence, its strongest evidence of efficacy is found in stress urinary incontinence.