Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) occurs when the sphincter, or the opening of the bladder, cannot stay shut when pressure is applied to it. Sufferers experience mild and involuntary urinary leaks when they:  

      Laugh 

      Cough 

      Sneeze 

      Exercise 

      Lift heavy objects 

      Engage in sex 

In some people, the condition becomes so acute that even movements like getting up from a chair can cause urinary leaks.  

Certain treatable medical reasons underlie stress urinary incontinence. The condition is caused when the muscles that support the sphincter and the pelvic floor weaken. As a result, when pressure is applied on the abdomen, a small amount of urine leaks out through the bladder which is unable to stay tightly shut.  

The onset of symptoms is gradual and takes place over a period of time. In some women, the condition worsens in the first week of their periods.   

The most common direct causes are vaginal childbirth, pregnancy, obesity, hysterectomy, menopause and heredity, though inherited weakness of the muscles of the pelvic floor is relatively rare. Persistent cough caused by smoking can exacerbate symptoms. The use of certain medications can also lead to stress urinary incontinence. This is particularly true of antidepressants, sedatives and muscle relaxants.  

Stress urinary incontinence is a distressing problem that has a significant impact on quality of life. It is more common in women than in men. Reports suggest that one in every three women suffer from it. Women over the age of 35 are vulnerable though the most affected age group is 60 and above. Men rarely experience the disorder, but when they do, it is generally the result of prostate surgery or injury.  

Acute stress urinary incontinence may need surgical intervention. However, in a good majority of cases, the condition can be managed quite efficiently through lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises and the use of certain medications.