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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. Stress incontinence is prompted by a physical movement or activity — such as coughing, sneezing or heavy lifting — that puts pressure (stress) on your bladder. Stress incontinence is not related to psychological stress.

Stress incontinence is much more common in women.

If you have stress incontinence, you may feel embarrassed, isolate yourself, or limit your work and social life, especially exercise and leisure activities. With treatment, you'll likely be able to manage stress incontinence and improve your overall well-being.

References
  1. Fong E, et al. Urinary incontinence. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2010;37:599.
  2. Nitti VW, et al. Urinary incontinence: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and management overview. In: Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/214316744-4/1038180294/1445/63.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50062-5--cesec2_4438. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
  3. DuBeau C. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
  4. DuBeau C. Epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
  5. DuBeau C. Treatment of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
  6. Urinary incontinence. WomensHealth.gov.  http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/urinary-incontinence.cfm. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
  7. Urinary incontinence in women. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uiwomen/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
  8. Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 19, 2010.
  9. Clinician training & resources FAQ. FemSoft Insert. http://www.femsofttraining.com.   Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
DS00828 Oct. 16, 2010

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