stress incontinence

Stress incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine that occurs during physical activities like coughing or laughing, which increase abdominal pressure. This condition arises from weakened pelvic muscles that normally help control urination.12

The process of urination involves the bladder, a muscular organ that stores urine, and two sphincters that keep the urethra closed. When the bladder fills, nerves signal the brain, and the detrusor muscle contracts while the sphincters relax to allow urination. In stress incontinence, the muscles' ability to maintain closure under pressure is compromised.3