How does Stress Urinary Incontinence occur?

To help you better understand incontinence, here is some basic information about your urinary system.

The urinary system works with your brain and spinal cord to coordinate urinary functions.

Your kidneys filter blood and dispose of waste products in the form of urine. Urine is carried out of the kidneys into the ureters and into the bladder, which is a muscle-lined bag that acts as a reservoir. Urine is stored in the bladder until the brain sends a signal for it to empty. The bladder is connected to the urethra by the bladder neck.

When your urinary system is functioning normally, you can control when to hold or release your urine. When your bladder becomes full, it sends a signal to your brain, which then decides if it is a convenient time to empty your bladder. If it is, your brain will send a message to the bladder, and urine will be released into the urethra. The urethral sphincter muscle, which surrounds the urethra, opens and closes the bladder neck. It will voluntarily contract to temporarily hold urine, or release itself to let urine flow down the urethra and out of your body.