Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is a form of urinary incontinence that occurs during coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects or making other movements that put pressure, or stress, on the bladder.

In women, this generally results from weak pelvic muscles or a weakening of the wall between the bladder and vagina. The weakness is due to pregnancy and childbirth or from lower levels of the hormone estrogen during menstrual periods or after menopause.

Although rare in men, the most common cause is as a post-surgical complication following a prostatectomy.