It is especially common in women who have experienced pregnancy or menopause

Stress incontinence is the most common type of incontinence. It is especially common in women who have experienced pregnancy or menopause. It is characterized by involuntary urination when physical stress or pressure is placed on the bladder.

Symptoms

The main symptom of stress incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine when extra pressure is suddenly placed on the bladder. This can occur in many situations, including when:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Laughing
• Lifting heavy objects
• Exercising

Leakage may be just a few drops of urine to a tablespoon or more. Stress incontinence may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how weakened the pelvic floor muscles have become. In more severe cases, bladder leakage may occur when walking, standing up, or bending over.

Causes

Common factors that may cause stress incontinence include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Menopause (lowered estrogen levels can cause weak bladder muscles)
• Hysterectomy and other surgical procedures
• Aging
• Obesity

These factors can cause weak pelvic floor muscles, causing urine to leak out more easily when the bladder is under physical stress.