Stress incontinence doesn't actually have anything to do with emotional stress. The term refers to urine leakage during physical activity that results in increased pressure on the abdomen. This pressure need not be much: bending over, laughing and coughing can cause urine leakage in stress incontinence sufferers.

 

According to urologists, stress incontinence can strike either sex, although two thirds of all sufferers are women.

 

In either sex, pelvic muscles, which normally support the bladder, can become weakened due to injury or aging. This allows the bladder to "drop" and push down towards the urethra. Because of this, the muscles that usually tighten and help the urethral sphincter to control urine flow cannot operate as effectively as they should.

 

Many people suffer stress incontinence silently, too embarrassed to seek help. However, there's good news: treatment for urine leakage is readily available and your physician can offer several options.

 

This site is divided into multiple articles, covering topics such as stress incontinence risk factors and treatment options, with each listed in the menu to the top. To research additional incontinence and health topics, please visit the related topics listed to the left.