Stress Incontinence

Stress Incontinence is defined as the unintentional loss of urine while performing physical actions that put pressure on your bladder such as sneezing, coughing, laughing or lifting heavy objects. 

Initial Assessment 
Upon seeking treatment for Stress Incontinence, an initial assesment will be done to determine the treatment plan that will work best for you.  First steps include:

• Completing a bladder survey including past medical history, symptom severity and any treatments you’ve previously tried. 
• Categorizing your condition as Stress, Urge or Mixed Urinary Incontinence.
• Performing urinalysis, a post-void bladder scan and possible imaging. 
• A possible pelvic exam.
• Keeping and reviewing a voiding diary.

You will also be instructed to make Lifestyle Modifications that may include:

• Modifying fluid intake.
• Weight loss.
• Tobacco cessation.
• Avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, carbonation and certain acidic foods.
• Monitoring your bowel habits (constipation).

Conservative Management
If lifestyle modifications have not improved your Stress Incontinence symptoms, next steps could include: 

• Kegel Exercises.
• Pessaries (a device that is inserted into the vagina to support the uterus).
• Physical Therapy.

Surgical Managment
For some women surgical intervention may be required.  Prior to surgery, urodynamic testing may be considered for further evaluation of bladder function.  Surgical options your provider may recommend include:

• Sling/Bladder Neck Suspension.
• Bulking Agents.

Educational Resources
iDry
iDry is a free app that helps you overcome urinary incontinence (UI).  It lets you easily log events, track your progress, predict your future success, identify and measure factors that affect your UI, and share your progress with your doctor. 

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