What is Stress Incontinence?

Stress incontinence is a condition in which there is involuntary emission of urine when pressure within the abdomen increases suddenly, as in coughing, sneezing or jumping. Stress incontinence has nothing to do with psychological stress, but more to do with excessive pressure on the bladder and abdomen, and is generally caused by weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles. Because the weakened pelvic floor muscles are not able to absorb the extra pressure on the bladder that occurs during exercise or other physical activity, leakage occurs.

Symptoms:

Some people with stress incontinence will experience occasional leaks of just a few drops, while others start to avoid certain activities because they are unable to stop the leak. While stress incontinence is most common in women, it is estimated that about 1 in 20 men live with stress incontinence as well.

Causes of stress incontinence:

Stress incontinence is generally caused by weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles. For women, this often happens as the result of hormonal changes during pregnancy and/or menopause and can also be impacted by damage incurred to these muscles during childbirth. In men, stress incontinence can be caused by prostate surgeries. Other factors such as smoking, obesity, and aging can lead to an increased risk of stress incontinence in both men and women.

Solutions for stress incontinence:

If stress incontinence is known to be caused by pregnancy, the symptoms will generally disappear with time. For most people, including those with pregnancy incontinence, pelvic floor exercises can help accelerate the recovery process and relieve symptoms.

Sources:

https://www.abena.com/knowledge-center/continence-care/types-of-incontinence/stress-incontinence