Stress Urinary Incontinence FAQ

What Is SUI?

Stress Urinary Incontinence is a condition that happens when physical activity creates pressure on the bladder, causing you to leak urine. This can happen with any type of physical activity, including exercise, coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.

Many people think that any type of urine leakage is the same, but that’s not true. People who feel an urgent need to use the restroom very frequently, actually have what’s known as urge incontinence (or overactive bladder). This type of incontinence is caused by involuntary contraction of your bladder muscles, which is why this condition is also sometimes called “spastic bladder”. Stress Urinary Incontinence on the other hand, is typically caused by a weakened pelvic floor.

What are the symptoms of SUI?

Typical symptoms of SUI are leakage upon any type of physical activity. This may include high impact exercises (jumping, running, etc.), lifting heavy objects, or even simple activities such as bending over, sneezing, laughing or coughing. Basically, anything that puts extra pressure on your bladder and pelvic floor.

Does Stress Urinary Incontinence affect both men and women?

Yes – While many people associate SUI with women, and it is more common in women, many men can also experience SUI too.

What Causes SUI?

In women, SUI is often caused by conditions that weaken the pelvic floor. Pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, nerve damage, menopause, and even chronic coughing caused by smoking can lead to a weakened pelvic floor.

In men, SUI is usually caused by prostate removal. This procedure can sometimes cause problems with the sphincter muscle, resulting in occasional urine leakage, SUI.

How is Stress Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed?

It may seem that leaking urine is the only clue you would need to diagnose SUI, but determining the type of leakage and also the cause are very important when making a proper diagnosis, and eventually, a treatment plan. Your doctor will want to learn all about your medical history, perform a physical exam, collect a urine sample, and ensure there is no pelvic nerve damage. Your doctor will also likely perform a urinary stress test to see if you leak when stress is placed on your bladder (when you cough or bear down).

In more complicated cases of Stress Urinary Incontinence, tests around bladder function may also be administered.

Is Stress Urinary Incontinence Serious?

Stress Urinary Incontinence is not a life-threatening disease, but it can greatly affect a person’s quality of life and should be taken seriously. Accidental urine leakage can cause great embarrassment and shame, and can even lead to isolation since people with SUI can become so fearful of having an accident that they limit their time with friends, family, and even work.

Stress Urinary Incontinence is a treatable condition, but many people are so embarrassed by it that they wait on average 7 years before even talking to a doctor. Don’t let this happen to you. You shouldn’t allow Stress Urinary Incontinence to limit your life.

Can Stress Urinary Incontinence Be Cured or Reversed?

There are many treatment options for SUI, and in many cases, symptoms can be improved or eliminated. A lot depends on the cause of your SUI, the severity, and your method for treating SUI. Physical therapy can do wonders, but it’s something you need to keep up with, and not all patients can be compliant with their treatment. Surgery can also help with symptoms, but not everyone experiences complete recovery from SUI after surgery. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your specific condition, the treatment options you’re considering, and what you can expect.

What Are The Treatment Options For SUI?

There are several effective therapies for Stress Urinary Incontinence. Some of these include:

Behavioral Changes

Making changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference when it comes to SUI symptoms. Some behavioral changes include:

Weight loss. Excess weight can put added pressure on your bladder. Losing a few pounds can help not only your waistline but your SUI symptoms as well.
Fluid Consumption. Your doctor may recommend making changes to not only what you drink, but how much, and when. Limiting your fluids before a workout, or trading out your sugary soda for water may help a lot in eliminating your leaks.
Bladder Retraining. Your bladder is a muscle, and just like any other muscle, it can be trained. Starting a regular voiding schedule can help train your bladder to hold urine for longer amounts of time, and may reduce the number or severity of incontinence episodes
Quit Smoking. Smoking can lead to chronic coughing, which can place a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor, leading to bladder leaks. Quitting smoking may help to not only eliminate your cough, but it can also lead to a healthier lifestyle in general.

Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy has been shown to greatly improve the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. The pelvic floor is a web of muscles that acts as a support system that holds up key organs, including the bladder. When it becomes weakened from things like childbirth, it can lead to Stress Urinary Incontinence. A trained physical therapist can provide you with a proper examination to determine where the weakness lies, and can show you the proper exercises to strengthen not only the pelvic floor (like Kegels), but also the core muscles that also play such a big role in providing overall support.

If your PT prescribes a kegel regimen, a product like INNOVO shorts can help you perform these exercises easily, in your own home. Cleared by the FDA, INNOVO shorts deliver 180 perfect pelvic floor contractions via electrical stimulations over each 30-minute session, and can be a great tool, especially when you’re learning how to do them (which can be difficult). INNOVO is available by prescription only, so talk to your PT about how to get one.

Pessaries

Sometimes, the bladder can prolapse, which means the pelvic floor has weakened enough for the bladder to drop into the vagina. A pessary is a small ring-shaped device that fits inside the vagina and helps to hold things in place and prevent leaks.

Surgery

In more advanced cases of SUI, surgery may be an option. There are several surgical options for SUI, including sling procedures, artificial sphincters, and injectable bulking agents. These procedures have benefits and risks, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.

Don’t let Stress Urinary Incontinence control your life. Talk to your doctor about the treatment options available today.

All Posts, Men's Health, Menopause And Aging, Overactive Bladder, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Pregnancy And Postpartum, Prescribed Treatments, Stress urinary incontinence, Treatment, Urinary Incontinence, Women's Health

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Showing incontinence who’s the boss in the workplace

Managing urinary incontinence is challenging enough, but bladder leaks, sudden urgency and frequent trips to the restroom can be especially stressful when you’re trying to get through a busy workday.

In this episode, we share practical strategies for managing bladder symptoms on the job, whether you’re commuting to an office, sitting through a long meeting, working from home or navigating a packed schedule. We’ll talk about bladder training and bathroom planning, hydration and potential bladder triggers, keeping a bladder diary, preparing for unexpected leaks, choosing incontinence products, staying active and more.

A group of six smiling adults takes a selfie outdoors in a grassy area, with trees and a road in the background. Everyone appears happy and relaxed, enjoying each other’s company—there’s no sign anyone is worried about a UTI, just laughter and good times shared among friends.

Why Bladder Health Matters More as We Age

Aging and the Bladder: What Changes?
As we grow older, the urinary system naturally undergoes changes that can affect bladder function.
Common age-related changes include:
Reduced bladder capacity
Increased bladder sensitivity
Changes in pelvic floor muscle strength
Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause
Enlarged prostate in men
Increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders
These changes can contribute to symptoms such as:
Urinary urgency
Frequent urination
Overactive bladder (OAB)
Urinary incontinence
Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
While these symptoms become more common with age, they should never be viewed as something people simply have to live with.
The Hidden Connection Between Bladder Problems and Falls
One of the most overlooked consequences of bladder symptoms in older adults is an increased risk of falling.
Many falls occur during urgent trips to the bathroom, particularly at night. An individual may wake suddenly with a strong urge to urinate, rush through a dark room, become dizzy when standing, or trip over furniture, rugs, or other obstacles.
Research has shown that urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia are associated with a higher risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
For seniors, a fall can have life-changing consequences, including:
Broken bones
Head injuries
Hospitalization
Loss of independence
Reduced mobility
Increased risk of future falls
In many cases, addressing bladder symptoms can be an important part of a comprehensive fall-prevention strategy.
How Nocturia Impacts Healthy Aging
Waking multiple times each night to urinate is more than a sleep disturbance.
Nocturia can contribute to:
Daytime fatigue
Reduced concentration
Memory difficulties
Mood changes
Increased fall risk
Lower overall quality of life
Older adults who experience frequent nighttime bathroom trips often report feeling less energetic and less able to participate in activities they enjoy.
Protecting sleep is an important part of protecting overall health.
The Emotional Impact of Bladder Leaks
Many older adults quietly manage bladder leakage without discussing it with family members or healthcare providers.
Unfortunately, untreated bladder symptoms can lead to:
Social withdrawal
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced physical activity
Fear of leaving home
Loss of confidence
Some people stop exercising, traveling, attending social events, or spending time with friends because they worry about finding a bathroom or experiencing leakage in public.
The result can be a cycle of isolation that negatively affects both physical and mental health.
Healthy Aging Includes Bladder Health
The good news is that many bladder conditions can be improved or successfully managed.
Treatment options may include:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control and reduce leakage.
Bladder Training
Scheduled voiding and urge-suppression techniques may help reduce urgency and frequency.
Lifestyle Modifications
Small changes can make a meaningful difference, including:
Managing constipation
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting bladder irritants when appropriate
Staying physically active
Monitoring fluid intake patterns
Medical Treatments
Depending on the cause of symptoms, treatment options may include:
Medications
Neuromodulation therapies
Vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women
Prostate treatments for men
Surgical interventions in select cases
Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults with Bladder Symptoms
If urgency or nighttime bathroom trips are a concern, consider these safety measures:
Keep pathways clear of clutter
Use nightlights between the bedroom and bathroom
Wear supportive, non-slip footwear
Install grab bars when appropriate
Rise slowly from bed to avoid dizziness
Discuss medications with your healthcare provider
Seek evaluation for persistent bladder symptoms
Addressing both bladder health and home safety can significantly reduce fall risk.
A Conversation Worth Having
Too often, people assume bladder leakage is simply the price of getting older. The reality is that while bladder problems become more common with age, they are not an inevitable part of aging.
National Senior Citizens Day reminds us that healthy aging means more than managing chronic diseases—it means preserving independence, confidence, mobility, and quality of life.
If bladder symptoms are interfering with sleep, daily activities, or peace of mind, don’t ignore them. Talk with a healthcare provider and explore your options. Effective treatments and management strategies are available.
Because aging well isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years.

A person wearing an orange cardigan and white pants sits on a couch, clutching their stomach with both hands, appearing to be in discomfort or pain—perhaps a sign that attending to gut health is more important than ever.

UTI and Your Period: What You Need to Know

If you menstruate, experiencing a UTI while on your period can be an uncomfortable experience.
While a menstrual period may bring pain, pelvic pressure, and make you feel like you need to urinate more, a UTI can tack on additional symptoms.
Feeling a sudden, strong urge to use the restroom, burning when you pee, noticing cloudy urine, or pain that feels different than your usual cramps shouldn’t be ignored.

Keep reading to find out the relationship between UTIs and your period. Plus, learn what to do if you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection during your cycle.