What’s the most common cause of urinary incontinence in women?

Urinary incontinence in women is a widespread condition that can affect daily life, causing physical discomfort and emotional stress. The most common cause of urinary incontinence in women is stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This type of incontinence occurs when physical movement or activity exerts pressure on the bladder, leading to unintentional leakage of urine. While it’s a common issue, many women may feel hesitant to discuss it. However, here to provide a safe space to learn about it from an expert is leading consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Mr Ruwan Fernando.

What is stress urinary incontinence (SUI)?

Stress urinary incontinence happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the bladder and urethra weaken, making it difficult to control urination. When pressure is placed on the bladder, such as during coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, the weakened muscles are unable to hold urine effectively.

Why does stress urinary incontinence occur?

Several factors contribute to stress urinary incontinence in women, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth: Vaginal delivery can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the likelihood of incontinence.
• Ageing: As women age, particularly after menopause, the muscles of the pelvic floor naturally weaken. Hormonal changes, such as a reduction in oestrogen, also play a role in the weakening of the bladder and urethra.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight adds pressure to the bladder, which can worsen incontinence symptoms.
• Previous pelvic surgery: Surgeries like a hysterectomy can sometimes impact pelvic floor function.

What are the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence?

The primary symptom of stress urinary incontinence is urine leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure. These activities can include:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Laughing
• Lifting heavy objects
• Exercising or running

Women experiencing SUI often find that the condition affects their quality of life, as the fear of leakage can limit social interactions, physical activities and confidence.

How is stress urinary incontinence treated?

There are various treatment options available for stress urinary incontinence, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual's health:

• Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as Kegel exercises, these are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control over time.
• Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding caffeine, and managing fluid intake can help alleviate the pressure on the bladder.
• Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, though these are typically less common for stress urinary incontinence.
• Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as sling surgery or colposuspension may be recommended to provide long-term relief.

By recognising the signs of stress urinary incontinence and seeking medical advice, women can regain control over their bladder health and improve their quality of life.

Looking for expert urinary incontinence treatment? Arrange a consultation with Mr Fernando via his Top Doctors profile.