Urinary Incontinence: It's No Laughing Matter
WHAT IS URINARY INCONTINENCE?
Urinary Incontinence, also known as bladder leakage, is the loss of bladder control or the involuntary loss of urine. This can turn a laughing fit or fun workout into a stressful and potentially uncomfortable situation. Here’s the skinny on the three common types of Urinary Incontinence:
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine during physical activities, like laughing, jumping, sneezing or lifting heavy objects. It occurs when the muscles that support the urethra are weakened or damaged. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Childbirth
- Trauma
- Hormone Changes
- And Many More
Urge Urinary Incontinence
Urge Urinary Incontinence is the unintended loss of urine due to an involuntary bladder contraction. Patients often describe Urge Urinary Incontinence as needing to go even if they just went. It’s often associated with an overactive bladder.
Mixed Urinary Incontinence
Mixed Urinary Incontinence is involuntary bladder leakage associated with a combination of both Urge and Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Depending on the severity, Urinary Incontinence can be treated several ways. Before you go below the belt, talk with your doctor to determine which treatment is right for you.
WHO SUFFERS FROM URINARY INCONTINENCE?
Urinary Incontinence affects more people than you might think. And it’s increasingly common among women. The important thing to remember is you’re not alone. There are millions of women out there just like you who experience some form of bladder leakage. But you don’t have to be one of them. Talk to your doctor today.
1 in 2 adult women have urinary incontinence1
On average, women wait 6.5 years after having symptoms to see a doctor2
Less than 50% of women with UI discuss their symptoms with their doctor3
It’s only when I laugh, or cough or sneeze... if you’re experiencing common symptoms of Urinary Incontinence, talk to your doctor today.
Speak up for a stronger you.
Ready to talk to a physician? There are many specialists who focus on pelvic floor disorders. You can search by name, state or zip code to find the right one for you.
HELPFUL GUIDES
Download and print for easier reading
Patient Testimonials
Hear about Renay and Stephanie's experience with SUI.
Boston Scientific is committed to bringing more hope, more health and more life to women around the world. Learn more
1. Markland AD, Richter HE, Fwu C-W, Eggers P, Kusek JW. Prevalence and Trends of Urinary Incontinence in Adults in the United States, 2001 to 2008. The Journal of Urology.2011;186(2):589-593. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2011.03.114.
2. Urology Care Foundation. Loss of Bladder Control: It’s Not Just a “Female Problem.” http://www.urologyhealth.org/Documents/Product%20Store/Loss-of-Bladder-Control-Poster.pdf. Accessed September 2, 2020.
3. Kinchen KS, Burgio K, Diokno AC, et al. Factors associated with women’s decisions to seek treatment for urinary incontinence. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2003 Sep;12(7):687-98.