From dribbles to gushes, leaking urine when you cough, jump, sneeze or lift can be embarrassing. Urology experts explain how to reclaim your freedom from stress incontinence.
What causes it?
Stress urinary incontinence is defined as the leakage of urine during physical movement or activity, such as coughing, jumping or sneezing. It’s not related to psychological stress. “This leakage can occur,” said Nancy Howden, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained urogynecologist with Western Carolina Women’s Specialty Center, “when the muscles and tissues supporting the bladder and urethra weaken.”
What are the risk factors?
Everyone with a bladder is at risk. Risk factors include age, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, prostate surgery, smoking and obesity. It also often has a genetic basis, and it can affect several members in the same family.
What are the biggest misconceptions about stress incontinence?
According to James Theofrastous, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained urogynecologist with Western Carolina Women’s Specialty Center, one of the biggest misunderstandings is that this condition is a normal part of aging in women. Brian L. Cohen, MD, MPH, a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist at Mission Urology, adds the myth that it only affects women. “Men and women are both affected,” said Dr. Cohen.
How does this condition affect your quality of life?
“It’s cumulative as the leakage worsens,” said Dr. Theofrastous. Men and women stop running, jumping on trampolines, weightlifting or doing other activities they enjoy. “It can even occur during sex, which is deeply disturbing to patients and disrupts an important part of their relationships,” said Dr. Theofrastous.
What are the treatment options?
Many safe options exist, including weight loss, specialized devices or simple procedures. Dr. Howden often encourages pelvic floor physical therapy with biofeedback for women. “It’s more than just doing your Kegel exercises; it’s learning to do them correctly,” said Dr. Howden. “If more conservative measures don’t work, a simple surgical option such as a suburethral sling procedure is available to men and women,” said Dr. Cohen. Designed to take pressure off your bladder during physical activity, the mesh sling provides needed support. “It’s not something you have to put up with,” said Dr. Theofrastous. “Life is too short.”
Brian L. Cohen, MD, MPH, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist at Mission Urology. Nancy Howden, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urogynecologist with Western Carolina Women’s Specialty Center, an affiliate of Mission Health. James Theofrastous, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urogynecologist with Western Carolina Women’s Specialty Center, an affiliate of Mission Health.