Stress Urinary Incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles that are unable to support the bladder. This leads to involuntary urinary leakages that usually occur with a cough, sneeze or physical exercises.

Weak pelvic floor often occurs with pregnancy due to the additional weight and pressure that stresses the pelvic floor muscles.

Factors that increase the risk of developing urinary incontinence include:

• Gender – Women are more likely to have stress incontinence due to pregnancy, childbirth and menopause
• Age – The natural ageing process and hormonal changes cause muscles to weaken over time
• Weight – Being overweight increases pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, weakening the muscles

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles will help to prevent urinary incontinence and help incontinence. Urinary incontinence may not be preventable. However, to help decrease your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Practice pelvic floor exercises
• Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods
• Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, which is also a cause of urinary incontinence

Seeking early treatment for incontinence is often more effective with faster results. If left untreated, incontinence may worsen with time and even result in a pelvic organ prolapse in severe cases.

Strengthening the pelvic floor can be done to treat stress urinary incontinence. At Orchard Clinic, a combination of machine treatments and floorwork exercises is a proven and effective treatment for incontinence.