Urinary Stress Incontinence

Urinary Stress Incontinence refers to urine leakage during physical activity that results in increased pressure on the abdomen. This pressure can be from:

• bending over
• laughing
• sneezing
• coughing

which causes urine leakage. Incontinence in women usually occurs because of problems with muscles that help to hold or release urine. During urination:

1. The muscles in the wall of the bladder contract.
2. Urine is forced out of the bladder and into the urethra.
3. The sphincter muscles surrounding the urethra relax.
4. Urine passes out of the body.

Incontinence will occur if your bladder muscles suddenly contract or muscles surrounding the urethra suddenly relax.

Urinary Stress Incontinence can worsen during the week before your menstrual period. Lowered estrogen levels can lead to lower muscular pressure around the urethra, increasing chances of leakage. The incidence of stress incontinence increases following menopause.

Urinary Stress Incontinence is not inevitable with age and loss of bladder control can be treated. See a doctor to learn if you need treatment for an underlying medical condition. Pelvic muscle training using techniques like Kegel exercises are ofter the solution.