Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. Stress incontinence happens when physical movement or activity; such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting; puts pressure (stress) on your bladder, causing you to leak urine. Stress incontinence is not related to psychological stress.

If you have stress incontinence, you may feel embarrassed, isolate yourself, or limit your work and social life. You may also avoid physical and leisure activities. With treatment, you'll likely be able to manage stress incontinence and improve your overall well-being.

It is believed that around 30% of women of all ages suffer from SUI and 13% of them will eventually need surgical correction.

Treatment for stress urinary incontinence may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, fluid management, or avoiding caffeine and alcohol

• Behavioral therapy, such as bladder training, scheduled voiding, or double voiding

• Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, or working with a pelvic floor physical therapist

• Devices inserted into the vagina to support the bladder, such as pessaries or urethral inserts

• Surgery, such as slings or urethral bulking agents, for severe cases or when other options don't work

• Medications, such as estrogen supplements or pseudoephedrine, although there are no FDA-approved drugs for stress incontinence.