Definition

   
Stress urinary incontinence is the accidental leakage of urine during quick, sudden movements that put pressure on the bladder.

Symptoms

      
Women who accidentally urinate while:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Laughing
• Walking
• Jogging
• Bending
• Lifting
• Climbing stairs
• Getting up from a low chair

Risk Factors Associated With Stress Urinary Incontinence

• Obesity
• Menopause
• Pelvic prolapse
• Vaginal childbirth
• Multiple pregnancies

What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?

        
Stress urinary incontinence is an uncontrolled leakage of urine. It happens when pelvic support structures and ligaments are weak. The pelvic organs then start to prolapse and put pressure on the bladder. If a woman experiences sudden, accidental urine loss, it means her urethra does not stay closed.

Mild leakage affects most women at one point in their life. Severe leakage is less common and can be treated. Stress urinary incontinence can happen at any age, but most often occurs in women over 40.

Another problem that may exist, along with stress urinary incontinence in women whose pelvic muscles have weakened, is pelvic prolapse.