Definition

Stress Urinary Incontinence (S.U.I) is an involuntary loss of urine that occurs during physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.

S.U.I. may occur as a result of weakened pelvic muscles that support the bladder and urethra or because of a malfunction of the urethral sphincter.

S.U.I. is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women.

S.U.I. is often seen in women who have had multiple pregnancies and vaginal childbirths, and whose bladder, urethra, or rectal wall stick out into the vagina (pelvic prolapse).

Symptoms

Involuntary loss of urine is the main symptom. It may occur when

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Standing
• Exercising
• Engaging in other physical activity

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how much they interfere with your everyday life.

There are four major categories of treatment for stress incontinence

• Behavioral changes
• Medication
• Pelvic floor muscle training
• Surgery

Needle Bladder Neck Suspension

Retropubic Suspension

Sling Procedure

Most doctors who treat incontinence recommend a sling operation as the first choice for the treatment of uncomplicated stress incontinence in women.

These procedures require a small surgical cut in the abdomen and vagina. Many different types of the sling procedure have been developed, including a transvaginal tape (TVT/TOT) procedure which uses smaller cuts and can be done as an outpatient surgery.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter