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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that increase the risk of developing stress incontinence include the following:
- Age. Although stress incontinence isn't a normal part of aging, physical changes associated with aging, such as the weakening of muscles, may make you more susceptible to stress incontinence. Also, women in menopause lose the beneficial effects of estrogen — that is, strengthening and protecting the tissues of the vagina and urethra — making the development of stress incontinence more likely.
- Type of childbirth delivery. Forceps delivery of a baby may be associated with a greater risk of stress incontinence than is normal vaginal delivery. Multiple vaginal deliveries also may be associated with a higher risk.
- Body weight. People who are overweight or obese have a much higher risk of stress incontinence. Excess weight increases pressure on the abdominal organs. Subsequently, the "resting" pressure on the bladder may be increased even without the additional pressure from a cough or other force.
- Previous pelvic surgery. Hysterectomy in women and particularly prostate surgery in men can alter the function and support of the bladder and urethra, making it much more likely for a person to develop stress incontinence. This effect can be either immediate or delayed.
References
- Fong E, et al. Urinary incontinence. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2010;37:599.
- 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.
- DuBeau C. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
- DuBeau C. Epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
- DuBeau C. Treatment of urinary incontinence. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
- Urinary incontinence. WomensHealth.gov. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/urinary-incontinence.cfm. Accessed Aug. 17, 2010.
- 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.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 19, 2010.
- Clinician training & resources FAQ. FemSoft Insert. http://www.femsofttraining.com. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
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