Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
What is Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is a common type of urinary incontinence and is the unintentional release of urine during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or any activity that puts stress on your bladder. It is more common in women but can affect men as well.
What are the Causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?
The most common cause of SUI is weakened pelvic floor muscles. This can be due to childbirth, hysterectomy, menopause, obesity, chronic coughing, or heavy lifting. Other factors can contribute to SUI such as bladder or prostate enlargement, bladder or urethra blockages, nerve damage, diuretic use, and more.
What are the Symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?
- Leakage of urine with physical activity
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Inability to exercise, laugh, or sneeze without unintentionally releasing urine
- Inability to make it to the restroom in time
Diagnosis and Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Your doctor can diagnose SUI by listening to your history of symptoms and asking you to describe your activities prior to leakage. Your doctor may also do a physical examination, X-ray, imaging test, or other tests to rule out any other medical conditions. Treatment of SUI includes lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, limiting caffeine or alcohol, bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises, and use of pelvic supports or devices.
Medications for SUI may also be recommended for some people, such as antispasmodics to relax the bladder, anticholinergics to reduce the muscle spasms of the bladder, or certain hormone replacement therapies.