What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Female stress incontinence can develop slowly as you age, and may often be a result of childbirth. It generally occurs when your pelvic muscles are not strong enough to keep the opening from the bladder neck closed when you are under physical stress, which includes:

> Laughing
> Coughing
> Lifting
> Exercising
> Increasing abdominal pressure in any other way

Another type of stress incontinence is called intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). It occurs when the urethral sphincter, which opens and closes the bladder neck opening, does not function properly.

Often, ISD occurs in conjunction with female stress incontinence. A common treatment option for ISD is a bulking agent.

In addition to stress incontinence, there are other types of incontinence, such as urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence. Each is caused by a variety of conditions, such as:

> Neurological diseases
> Birth defects
> Multiple sclerosis
> Spinal chord injury
> Pelvic surgery

Speak with your doctor to learn more about the type of incontinence you may have and your available treatment options.

How does Stress Urinary Incontinence occur
Treatment options for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Surgery and Recovery