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Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is the most common type of bladder control problem in younger and middle-age women. It occurs when urine leaks, as pressure is put on the bladder, for example, during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, climbing stairs or lifting objects. Physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth and menopause often cause stress incontinence. This type of incontinence is common in women and, in many cases, can be treated.

Stress incontinence (SUI) is leakage with physical activity – physical stress or exertion, not "emotional or psychological stress." In many instances of SUI, the pelvic floor, which supports the bladder, bladder neck and urethra, becomes weak due to pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes, aging and/or prior pelvic surgery. This may lead to excessive movement of the urethra.

Another cause of SUI is a weakened urethral sphincter, known as intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD), in which the urethral sphincter becomes incapable of sealing the flow of urine during physical exercise.

Testing for Stress Incontinence

  • Urinalysis or urine culture
  • Cystoscopy
  • Pad test
  • Pelvic or abdominal ultrasound
  • Urinary stress test
  • Urodynamic studies

Treatment for Stress Incontinence

  • Diet modification
  • Medication modification
  • Bladder retraining
  • Biofeedback
  • Physical therapy – Kegel exercises
  • Neuromodulation (nerve stimulation)
  • Medication
  • Injections of bulking agents
  • Vaginal devices (pessary, artificial urinary sphincter)
  • Surgical sling procedures


Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Bladder Health Program of South Florida website should be used solely for educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a healthcare provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications. Always ask your physician about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits.

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