Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is one of the most common bladder conditions affecting women in Ireland, yet many people living with it feel embarrassed to seek help. The good news is that it is well understood, treatable, and you don't have to simply live with it.
What is stress urinary incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine during everyday activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
It occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body) become weakened, allowing urine to escape before you can reach a toilet.
Stress urinary incontinence is particularly common in women, though it can affect men too, particularly following prostate surgery.
What causes stress urinary incontinence?
Your bladder stays closed and holds urine until you are ready to go to the toilet. This relies on the strength of your pelvic floor, which is a group of muscles that sit at the base of your pelvis and support your bladder. When those muscles weaken, the bladder is less able to hold urine under pressure, and leakage can occur.
Common contributing factors include:
- Vaginal childbirth, which can stretch and damage the pelvic floor
- Menopause, which causes changes in oestrogen levels and tissue elasticity
- Obesity, which places sustained pressure on the bladder
- Ageing, which naturally reduces muscle tone over time
- Previous pelvic surgery, such as a hysterectomy
- Smoking, which is associated with chronic coughing and collagen breakdown
What are the signs and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence?
The main symptom of stress urinary incontinence is leaking urine when pressure is placed on the bladder. This can vary from a few drops to a more significant amount. You may notice leakage when you:
- Cough, sneeze or laugh
- Exercise or lift something heavy
- Stand up quickly
- Walk briskly or run
Stress urinary incontinence does not typically involve a sudden, urgent need to urinate without some form of pressure on your bladder. If you experience that alongside leakage, you may have a mixed form of incontinence, which your doctor can assess.
What are the treatment options for stress urinary incontinence?
The right treatment for stress urinary incontinence depends on the severity of your symptoms and your personal circumstances. Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate options with you. These may include:
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises)
Strengthening the pelvic floor through regular, targeted exercises is often the first-line approach for mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence. These exercises need to be performed consistently and correctly to be effective. A physiotherapist can guide you through the technique.
Transvaginal laser therapy
This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to stimulate collagen production and restore the strength and elasticity of vaginal tissue. The procedure is virtually painless, requires no incisions or anaesthesia, and is carried out on an outpatient basis. It is typically delivered over two sessions, spaced one month apart.
Surgical treatment
For more significant cases, surgical options such as a urethral sling procedure may be recommended. This involves placing a small mesh support under the urethra to prevent leakage. It requires a short hospital stay and recovery period, and your consultant will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you in detail.
When is it time to see a doctor about stress urinary incontinence?
If leakage is affecting your quality of life by limiting your activity, causing anxiety, or requiring the use of pads on a regular basis, it is worth speaking to your GP or a specialist. Stress urinary incontinence is a medical condition, not an inevitable part of ageing, and effective treatments are available.
To speak with one of our urologists, gynaecologists, or urogynaecologists, you can request an appointment with your GP referral letter, or your GP can send a referral to:
- Dublin: ereferrals@materprivate.ie
- Cork: ereferralscork@materprivate.ie