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Urinary Stress Incontinence (USI)

  • Involuntary leakage of a variable quantity of urine caused by a pressure on the bladder, for example while coughing, sneezing, laughing, or even jumping, dancing or walking.
  • Accounts for over 50% of all types of urinary incontinence
  • Is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women under 55
  • Affects 1 of 5 women due to pregnancy and childbirth
  • Due primarily to pelvic floor weakening

Stigma of incontinence

  • Feeling of shame and embarrassment
  • Patients often reluctant to discuss the issue
  • Under-reporting of UI symptoms highly prevalent
  • UI underestimated, not clearly understood
  • Variation in knowledge and comfort level among healthcare professionals

Negative impact of UI

  • Physical
  • Psychological
  • Social
  • Overall Quality of Life

Contributing factors of feminine USI

  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Menopause and aging
  • Medical, surgical issues

Aggravating factors of feminine USI

  • Inactivity
  • Weight gain
  • Smoking
  • Chronic constipation or coughing

Treatments

  • Conservative : pelvic floor rehabilitation (vaginal cones, Kegel exercises)
  • Pharmacological (medications)
  • Surgical

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