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About Urinary Stress Incontinence (USI)
Overview
What is Urinary Stress Incontinence
- 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 Urinary Incontinence
- Physical
- Psychological
- Social
- Overall quality of life
Contributing Factors of Urinary Stress Incontinence
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause and aging
- Medical, surgical issues
Aggravating Factors of Urinary Stress Incontinence
- Inactivity
- Weight gain
- Smoking
- Chronic constipation or coughing
Treatments
- Conservative: pelvic floor reeducation exercises (vaginal cones, Kegel exercises)
- Pharmacological (medications)
- Surgical
More Information on Urinary Stress Incontinence:
- Printable Detailed Information Sheet on Urinary Stress Incontinence
- Self-Questionnaire on Urinary Stress Incontinence
The information contained on this website is intended
for a Canadian audience only.
FACT SHEETS (pdf)
Printable Information Sheets
on topics related to urinary incontinence, pelvic floor exercices, etc.
Printable Information Sheets
on topics related to urinary incontinence, pelvic floor exercices, etc.
OTHER DUCHESNAY PRODUCTS
Medical Information Service
1 888 666-0611
[email protected]
The health information contained herein is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of each patient.