Stress Urinary Incontinence

What is Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common form of urinary incontinence characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that exert pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. It occurs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or a weakened sphincter.

What are the causes of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can arise from several underlying causes, including:

Pelvic Floor Weakness

Weakness or laxity in the pelvic floor muscles is a common cause of SUI. Factors such as childbirth, particularly vaginal deliveries, aging, hormonal changes (such as menopause), or conditions that place strain on the pelvic floor can weaken these muscles, leading to insufficient support for the bladder and urethra.

Sphincter Dysfunction

Weakness or dysfunction in the muscles responsible for controlling urine flow, including the urethral sphincter, can contribute to SUI. When these muscles are unable to sufficiently contract or maintain closure during increased abdominal pressure, urinary leakage occurs.

Physical Stress

Activities that exert increased pressure on the abdomen, such as pregnancy, coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or vigorous exercise, can strain the weakened pelvic floor and trigger episodes of urinary leakage.

Connective Tissue Weakness

Structural weaknesses in the ligaments and supportive tissues around the bladder and urethra can also contribute to SUI. Damage or laxity in these tissues can compromise the bladder’s position and support, leading to urinary leakage during physical stress.

What are the symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence encompass various manifestations, such as:

Leakage

Involuntary leakage of urine occurs during activities that exert pressure on the abdomen, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting heavy objects. This leakage is often attributed to the weakened pelvic floor muscles unable to withstand increased pressure.

Frequent Urination

Individuals with SUI may experience a heightened need to urinate more frequently than usual. This increased frequency may disrupt daily activities and necessitate more frequent restroom visits.

Urine Leakage During Sleep

Some individuals with SUI may experience occasional urinary leakage during sleep, particularly with physical movements or changes in body position. This nocturnal leakage can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to nighttime awakenings.

Who are at risk of Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Factors that might increase the risk of SUI include:

Age

Increased prevalence with age due to muscle weakening.

Gender

More common in women due to childbirth and hormonal changes.

Obesity & Smoking

Conditions that strain the pelvic floor muscles.

How do you prevent Stress Urinary Incontinence?

Preventive measures might include:

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity can strain the pelvic floor.

Proper Lifting Techniques

Avoid heavy lifting, or use proper techniques to reduce strain.

How is Stress Urinary Incontinence diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves various methods:

Medical History & Physical Examination

Discussing symptoms and conducting a physical examination.

Bladder Diary

Recording voiding habits and fluid intake patterns.

Stress Test

Assessing urine leakage during specific activities that stress the bladder.

How is Stress Urinary Incontinence treated?

Treatment options for SUI include:

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Physical therapy to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

Behavioral Techniques

Bladder training and scheduled voiding.

Supportive Devices

Using vaginal pessaries or Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Placements (TVT).

Surgical Interventions

Procedures like sling surgery to support the urethra.

IntimaV Treatments for Overactive Bladder?

Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Placement (TVT)

TVT involves the insertion of a mesh tape to support the urethra and bladder neck, providing added support to prevent urine leakage during physical activities that cause stress on the bladder.

Transobturator Tape Placement (TOT)

TOT is a surgical procedure similar to TVT, where a tape is placed underneath the urethra to provide additional support. This technique involves a different insertion route, aiming to reduce the risk of bladder or blood vessel injury.

Burch Procedure

The Burch procedure involves the surgical placement of sutures near the urethra and bladder neck to provide support and reduce stress-induced urine leakage.

Kegel Exercises
& Biofeedback

Kegel exercises and biofeedback techniques aim to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles used to control urination, enhancing urinary control and reducing stress incontinence episodes.

Incontilase and Urethralase

Incontilase and Urethralase are non-invasive, Erbium YAG laser treatments used to tighten and strengthen the tissues surrounding the urethra. These procedures aim to improve the closure mechanism of the bladder and urethra, reducing urinary leakage by strengthening the collagen.

Electromagnetic Chair

The electromagnetic chair uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. This treatment aims to enhance muscle tone, supporting the urethra and reducing stress-induced urinary leakage.