Stress Urinary Incontinence
What is Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?
If you have experienced embarrassment following involuntary urine loss, perhaps during coughing, laughing, sneezing or exercise, you are not alone. This condition, known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI), affects millions of women and is most common after the childbearing years. Although the reasons are varied, SUI often occurs as a result of weakened support from the pelvic diaphragm and a weakening urethra.
3 Ways We Can Treat Urinary Incontinence
Sneeze
Exercise
Laugh
Cough
Walk
What are the risk factors?
- Childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth tend to flatten, stretch and weaken muscles in the pelvic floor. This lack of support can lead to urine leakage.
- Menopause: Because the ovaries stop producing estrogen during menopause, this hormone deficiency can lead to a thinner urethra lining and weakened sphincter and bladder muscles.
- Urinary tract infections can lead to SUI
- Illnesses that results in excessive coughing or sneezing
- Obesity
- Smoking that causes excessive coughing
- Diabetes can cause excess urine production and nerve damage
- Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption can trigger SUI
- Medications that promote urine production
- Certain athletic activities that put pressure on the bladder While SUI is a troubling condition that can interrupt daily activities, there are medical solutions.
If you are one of the millions of women suffering silently with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, please schedule a consultation with Drs. Pezzella and Rueb; who can better identify the cause of your SUI.
Call us at (803) 457-7000 or
O-Shot®
The O-Shot® is a quick, painless, and non-surgical procedure. A small amount of blood is extracted from the patient, spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the plasma from the blood, and is then injected into the vaginal area. Plasma contains growth factors, which help to contribute to healing and recovery of tissue and cells in the body.
EMSELLA®
EMSELLA® is a revolutionary FDA approved, non-invasive and painless treatment for all types of urinary incontinence, pelvic floor prolapse, and vaginal relaxation. It strengthens the pelvic floor muscles by focusing electromagnetic waves causing the muscles to contract and relax, exercising them in a similar way to Kegel exercises.
Bulkamid® Urethral Bulking
Bulkamid® is a minimally invasive treatment for stress urinary incontinence. It involves injecting a gel-like substance around the urethra, providing support and reducing leakage during activities that put pressure on the bladder. The effects typically last for several years.
Mid-Urethral Sling Procedure
The mid-urethral sling procedure is a surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. It involves the placement of a synthetic mesh sling underneath the mid-portion of the urethra to provide support and improve urinary control.
If you experience bladder control issues, please contact our office to make an appointment with our team. You don’t have to suffer!
Call us at (803) 457-7000 or
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is a condition characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities or movements that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
SUI is primarily caused by a weakening or damage to the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and urethra. Common causes include childbirth, menopause, obesity, pelvic surgery, and chronic coughing.
The main symptom of SUI is the unintentional leakage of urine during activities that exert pressure on the bladder. Women may experience urine leakage during exercise, lifting heavy objects, or even during everyday movements like bending over or laughing.
Women are more commonly affected by SUI, especially those who have given birth vaginally, are in perimenopause or postmenopause, and have a history of pelvic organ prolapse. Other risk factors include obesity, chronic lung diseases, and certain medical conditions.
The diagnosis of SUI involves a physical examination, medical history evaluation, and a discussion of symptoms. Additional tests such as a urine analysis, urodynamic studies, and imaging tests (e.g., cystoscopy) may be done to assess the severity and underlying causes of SUI.
While it may not be entirely preventable, there are measures that can help reduce the risk or severity of SUI. Maintaining a healthy weight, regularly performing pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), abstaining from smoking, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the pelvic floor can be beneficial.
Treatment options for SUI range from conservative measures to surgical interventions. Noninvasive approaches include pelvic floor muscle training, lifestyle changes (such as weight loss and fluid management), and the use of support devices (such as a pessary). Surgical options like midurethral slings or urethral bulking agents may be recommended for more severe cases.
No, surgery is not the only solution for SUI. Depending on the severity and impact on daily life, nonsurgical treatments like pelvic floor exercises, behavioral modifications, and the use of support devices can effectively manage symptoms in many cases.
While SUI may not have a complete cure, most cases can be effectively managed or significantly improved with appropriate treatment. The chosen treatment approach depends on individual factors and preferences, and outcomes can vary.
Yes, SUI can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing embarrassment, anxiety, and social limitations. It is important to seek medical advice and explore treatment options to improve symptoms and regain confidence and comfort in daily activities.
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