FAQs about stress urinary incontinence

Read this article below to find out all about stress urinary incontinence, including what it is, what the causes are, and how the condition can be managed.

What is stress urinary incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and often distressing condition characterised by the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion. It occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra become weakened or damaged, leading to inadequate closure of the urethra and urinary leakage.

 

What are the causes?

The primary cause of stress urinary incontinence is the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra. This weakening can occur as a result of various factors, including childbirth, ageing, hormonal changes, obesity, chronic coughing, or certain medical conditions that put pressure on the pelvic floor.

 

Women are more commonly affected by stress urinary incontinence than men, particularly those who have given birth vaginally or experienced menopause. However, men can also develop SUI as a result of prostate surgery or other pelvic floor issues.

 

What are the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence?

The symptoms of stress urinary incontinence can range from mild to severe and may have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Common symptoms include urine leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure, frequent urination, urgency, and the need to urinate during the night.

 

How can the condition be treated and managed?

Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to help manage and improve stress urinary incontinence. These may include lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises (such as Kegel exercises), bladder training, dietary changes, weight loss, and medications to strengthen the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor and improve bladder control.

 

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, or in more severe cases of stress urinary incontinence, surgical interventions may be considered. Surgical options for SUI may include sling procedures, such as tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) or transobturator tape (TOT), which involve placing a mesh sling under the urethra to provide support and prevent leakage.