If you experience urine leakage, you’re not alone. In fact, 1 in 3 adult women have stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which is the most common type of bladder control problem among women. The “stress” is added pressure on your bladder. Women with stress incontinence have weak pelvic muscles that can allow the involuntary loss of urine to leak with a simple cough, sneeze, laugh, or other action puts pressure on the bladder.

While common, stress incontinence is not a normal part of aging. Even though you may feel too embarrassed to talk to your doctor, you may have a common, treatable problem. A urologist can help.

Causes of SUI

• Pregnancy and childbirth, which can stretch, weaken, or even damage pelvic floor muscles
• Neurological conditions that cause damage to the nerves including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and spinal cord injuries
• Obesity
• Certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption and caffeine
• Chronic cough, oftentimes caused by smoking
• Menopause, due to decreased hormones
• Pelvic surgery or radiation treatment