General Information

What is Stress Incontinence?

Stress incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles, which help hold urine in the bladder, become weakened. This weakness allows urine to leak out during activities that put sudden pressure on the bladder, such as sneezing, laughing, or exercising.

Causes of Stress Incontinence:

• Childbirth: The physical stress of childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, leading to stress incontinence.
• Aging: As muscles lose strength over time, the risk of stress incontinence increases.
• Surgery: Pelvic surgeries can sometimes affect muscle strength and lead to incontinence.

Symptoms of Stress Incontinence:

• Urine leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
• Inability to hold urine when there is sudden pressure on the bladder.
• Frequent trips to the bathroom to avoid potential leakage.

Diagnosis

To diagnose stress incontinence, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination.

Additional tests may include:

• Bladder Diary: Tracking your urination patterns and leakage incidents.
• Urinalysis: To check for infections or other abnormalities.
• Urodynamic Testing: To assess bladder function and pressure.

Treatment

Treatment for stress incontinence varies based on the severity of symptoms and may include:

Lifestyle Changes:

• Weight loss to reduce pressure on the bladder.
• Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol.

Pelvic Floor Exercises:

• Kegel Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can significantly improve stress incontinence. Your urologist can guide you on how to perform these exercises correctly for the best results.
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Treatment over several sessions with a dedicated physical therapist to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, utilizing techniques such as biofeedback and muscle stimulation.
• Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures: Urethral Bulking Agents: Injections that help close the bladder opening.
• Sling Procedures: Mesh surgical implant that provides additional support to the urethra.

Your urologist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.