Stress Incontinence Causes

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Stress incontinence (also referred to as SUI), is generally caused by a weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, which means that when they are put under pressure they cannot contain urine. These muscles are often weakened during pregnancy and childbirth. Women who have had a hysterectomy sometimes suffer from stress incontinence following the surgery, and women who have suffered a prolapsed uterus are also more likely to suffer from stress incontinence. However, men can also suffer from stress incontinence, often caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is when the prostate gland is enlarged and presses upon the bladder.

People who suffer from stress incontinence often find urine will leak out when they sneeze, cough or laugh, or when they are exercising. At these times, the bladder is put under extra pressure, and when the pelvic floor muscles are weak they are often unable to contain urine. People who are overweight may also suffer from stress incontinence, as this places extra pressure upon the bladder.

Stress incontinence is one of the most common forms of incontinence, with an estimated one in five women suffering from it at some point in their life – although it also affects many men. Stress incontinence can also affect elderly people, as their pelvic floor muscles become weaker with age.