WHAT IS STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE (SUI)?

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is the leakage of urine during movement. SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. It can be related to childbirth or it may begin with menopause.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms may include the leakage of urine during moments of sudden movement or physical activity that increases abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Your Esse Health doctor will perform a physical exam to look for organ prolapse and to assess the pelvic floor muscles. A urine test may be done to check for infection.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Women have both non-surgical and surgical options to treat SUI. Non-surgical options include pelvic floor exercises or the use of a pessary (a silicone device inserted into the vagina to help support pelvic organs prone to prolapse). Additional non-surgical options are transurethral bulking agents (injecting bulking material around the urethra to limit leakage) and behavioral modification (this involves the patient modifying the timing, frequency and duration of urination). Surgical options can be performed through the vagina or abdomen. Surgical mesh can be implanted to support the urethra or bladder neck to correct SUI. This procedure is commonly called a "Sling Procedure.”