Stress Urinary Incontinence

Overview

Stress urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine during physical exertion — coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise — caused by weakened support around the urethra rather than a sudden urge to urinate.

Symptoms

●Leakage when coughing, sneezing or laughing

●Leakage during exercise or physical activity

●Leakage when lifting something heavy

●No leakage while at rest

Causes

Childbirth, general pelvic floor weakening, menopause, chronic coughing, and obesity all reduce the support around the urethra needed to prevent leakage under pressure.

Risk Factors

Vaginal childbirth — Can stretch and weaken pelvic floor support.

Menopause — Reduced estrogen affects tissue support around the urethra.

Obesity — Added pressure on the pelvic floor increases leakage risk.

Chronic cough — Repeated strain weakens urethral support over time.

Diagnosis

A cough stress test, a bladder diary, and — for more complex cases — urodynamic studies help confirm the diagnosis and its severity.

Complications If Untreated

Beyond the physical inconvenience, ongoing leakage can affect confidence, social activity, and skin health if not managed.

Treatment Options

Sling Procedures

See Details →

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

See Details →

Prevention Tips

Pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and treating a chronic cough all help reduce the risk and severity of stress incontinence.

Lifestyle Advice

Kegel exercises done consistently, bladder training, and mindful fluid intake meaningfully improve most cases of stress incontinence.