Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is a when a woman leaks urine with physical activity such as laughing, coughing, or exercising. Female stress urinary incontinence is caused by an improperly functioning urethra, or bladder neck. Normally the urethra should provide a tight seal to prevent embarrassing and unexpected leakage of urine. When there is loss of support to the muscles and ligaments that support the urethra urine funnels down into the bladder next and will escape as pressure is exerted on the bladder – such as when a woman is coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Stress incontinence involves the leakage of urine during exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or other body movements that put pressure on the bladder. It is one of the most common types of incontinence, particularly in women.
Symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence-
Women with stress urinary incontinence experience leakage of a small to moderate amount of urine with activity. This includes coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, walking, bending over, lifting or just changing positions.
Causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence
While the likelihood of experiencing stress urinary incontinence increases with age, it is not considered normal by any means and can interfere with work, socializing, exercise and sexual functioning. Stress urinary incontinence can be caused by a urethra that does not compress tightly enough. Risk factors include age, high BMI, pelvic surgery, diabetes, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of stress urinary incontinence can also be related to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or bladder tumors
Diagnosis of Stress Urinary Incontinence
Our comprehensive Urodynamic Testing along with a physical exam with Dr. Erhard can help make the diagnosis! We can offer real solutions that will allow you to reclaim your life!
Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment
Non-surgical treatment options include:
Kegel exercises
Pelvic floor therapy
Low-dose vaginal estrogen
Vaginal pessary
Urethral insert
Various overactive bladder medications
Surgical treatment options include:
Suburethral sling
Tension-free Vaginal Tape™ (TVT)
InterStim™ Therapy
