Stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (pronunciation: stress yoo-ree-nair-ee in-kon-ti-nuhns) is a medical condition characterized by the unintentional loss of urine. This condition is caused by physical activity or movement such as coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting that puts pressure, or stress, on the bladder.
Etymology
The term "stress urinary incontinence" is derived from the Latin word "incontinentia", which means "lack of restraint". The term "stress" is used to denote the physical pressure exerted on the bladder, while "urinary" refers to the system of the body that produces, stores and eliminates urine.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of stress urinary incontinence is the unintentional release of urine during physical activity that exerts pressure on the bladder. This can include activities such as exercise, heavy lifting, or even sneezing or coughing.
Causes
Stress urinary incontinence is caused by weakening of the muscles and tissues that support the bladder and regulate the release of urine. This weakening can occur due to a number of factors, including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and certain surgical procedures.
Treatment
Treatment for stress urinary incontinence can include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medications, medical devices, and in some cases, surgery. The appropriate treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition.
Related Terms
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