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If this sounds familiar, you may have a common condition known as stress urinary incontinence.
“Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type of incontinence in women,” says Dr. Sarah McAchran, a UW Health urologist and urogynecologist. “It is the cause of leakage about 50% of the time.”
Stress incontinence alone isn’t harmful to your health, but it can hurt your confidence or make you avoid social activities. You may feel depressed or anxious. It can also point to other underlying health problems.
Don’t let stress incontinence keep you from leading a happy, healthy life.
What causes stress urinary incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence differs from other types of incontinence, like an overactive bladder or frequent urination. Stress urinary incontinence occurs when physical actions put pressure on the bladder. It involves the pelvic floor muscles and the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the body. When the muscles around the bladder and urethra weaken, sudden pressure can cause urine to leak.
Actions that trigger stress incontinence include:
Bending
Coughing
Exercising
Laughing
Sneezing
What are risk factors for stress urinary incontinence?
Several factors can raise your risk of developing stress incontinence. These include biological causes, long-term illnesses and physical trauma.
People with female reproductive systems are more likely to develop bladder control issues after life events like pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. These events affect the shape and strength of the pelvic floor and urinary tract and can make you more prone to stress urinary incontinence.
During pregnancy, 29% of women will develop stress incontinence," says McAchran. "If it goes away after delivery, the chance of having it later is 19%. If it takes up to three months to stop, the chance of having stress urinary incontinence again is as high as 42%."
People with male reproductive systems also have bladder control issues, but for different reasons and at other points in their lives.
Health concerns that may lead to stress incontinence include:
Constipation
Lung disease
Obesity
Pelvic injury
Pelvic radiation
Smoking
Vaginal or pelvic surgery
What are the latest stress urinary incontinence treatments?
Home therapy for urinary incontinence
is an effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Exercises such as Kegels can strengthen the muscles around your bladder. Our physical therapists provide exercises you can practice at home.
Over-the-counter products, such as Impressa, can help reduce accidents. Like a tampon, you place this easy-to-remove insert in your vagina. It creates pressure on the urethra and limits leaks. You can try an over-the-counter tool or ask your health care provider for their suggestions.
You may also benefit from a pessary — a small, flexible vaginal insert.
“Pessaries work like a foot on a hose,” McAchran says. “When you step your foot (the pessary) onto a hose (the urethra), it increases resistance and prevents leakage.”
While some pessaries can be purchased over the counter, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your doctor. They will help you find the right shape and size to ensure a comfortable fit.
Medical treatment for stress incontinence
Pelvic floor therapy and vaginal inserts don’t work for everyone. Your doctor may recommend a sling or urethral bulking agent injections. These medical procedures can offer long-lasting relief.
Slings, made from mesh or bodily tissue, are placed under the urethra. Slings provide support and prevent leaks.
Urethral bulking agents act like fillers for the urethra. They usually contain water-based gels, silicone or calcium. When injected, the bulking agents thicken the sides of the urethra. This helps stop accidental leaks.
“There is no right answer for everyone,” says McAchran. “We tailor our suggestions to each patient’s history, goals and expectations.”
Experience personalized care at UW Health
While stress incontinence isn’t dangerous on its own, it affects your well-being. Don’t let the shame of an unexpected accident keep you from living your life.
“We have a multidisciplinary group with years of experience. We help patients find treatment plans that are right for them,” says McAchran. “Patients who’ve been treated successfully say they wished they’d sought care sooner. They can enjoy their favorite activities without worrying about embarrassing leaks.”
If stress incontinence is affecting your quality of life, we’re here to help. Contact UW Health’s Integrated Specialty Care for Women today to schedule an appointment.