Urinary Incontinence (Stress)

Stress urinary incontinence is a condition where there is an involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase pressure inside the abdomen, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising. It involves the urinary system, specifically the bladder and urethra, which normally work together to hold urine until it is convenient to urinate. This condition occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and control urine flow become weak or damaged. It mainly affects a person's ability to control urination, leading to leakage that can be embarrassing and inconvenient. Stress urinary incontinence is common, especially in women after childbirth or during aging. The condition impacts daily life by causing discomfort and limiting physical activities.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine on effort or physical exertion, or on sneezing or coughing. It results from urethral sphincter incompetence and/or pelvic floor muscle weakness, leading to an inability to maintain closure of the urethra during increased intra-abdominal pressure. The core pathology involves loss of support to the bladder neck and proximal urethra, often due to childbirth trauma, pelvic surgery, or aging-related connective tissue changes. SUI is distinguished from other types of urinary incontinence by the absence of detrusor overactivity. It is clinically significant because it impairs quality of life and may lead to social isolation. Diagnosis requires careful history and physical examination focusing on the mechanical stress-induced leakage.