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Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

Involuntary leakage of urine with physical effort such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise, due to weakened urethral support.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department. Book Appointment →

What is Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women?

Stress urinary incontinence is involuntary loss of urine associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure from activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.

It reflects insufficient urethral support or intrinsic sphincter deficiency, rather than bladder overactivity.

Prevalence increases with age, parity, and menopause and has significant impact on quality of life, physical activity, and mental health.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical; urodynamics are reserved for complex or recurrent cases as recommended by NICE, AUA, and EAU.

Symptoms

Urine leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting
Leakage during running, jumping, or other exercise
Need to wear pads or protective underwear regularly
Avoidance of physical activity, intimacy, or social situations
Absence of strong sudden urge before leakage
Often coexists with pelvic organ prolapse or urge incontinence

Risk Factors

Vaginal childbirth, especially operative delivery and large babies
High parity and advancing age
Menopause and decreased estrogenisation of urogenital tissues
Obesity and chronic cough (including smoking and chronic lung disease)
Chronic constipation and heavy lifting
Previous pelvic surgery, radiation, or connective tissue disorders

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Regular urine leakage with activity that affects daily life, work, or intimacy
  • Leakage accompanied by urgency, painful urination, or blood in the urine
  • Failure to improve after initial lifestyle changes and pelvic-floor exercises

Treatment Methods

01
Detailed history, voiding diary, cough stress test, and pelvic examination with or without Q-tip or POP-Q
02
Urinalysis, post-void residual, and urodynamic testing in selected cases
03
Lifestyle modification: weight reduction, fluid and caffeine moderation, and treatment of constipation and cough
04
Supervised pelvic-floor muscle training with biofeedback led by specialised physiotherapists
05
Urethral bulking agents, retropubic or transobturator mid-urethral slings, and Burch colposuspension in selected cases
06
Vaginal estrogens for postmenopausal women and treatment of concomitant prolapse or urgency incontinence

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.