Your guide to stress urinary incontinence in women and when to seek treatment with a professional

Posted By: | Published On: | Featured Article, Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence affects millions of women worldwide and can significantly impact their quality of life. For those unfamiliar with the condition, stress urinary incontinence occurs when physical activities—like running, jumping, sneezing, or laughing—put pressure on the bladder and cause leakage of urine. At Partners in Pelvic Health of Park City and Lake Forest, Illinois, Dr. Sanjay Gandhi and his team are passionate about helping women regain control and confidence. 

SUI in Women in Lake Forest, IL Area

Here are answers to some common questions about SUI in women:

What is stress urinary incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence, or SUI, is a type of urinary leakage that happens when physical pressure is placed on the bladder. Everyday activities such as coughing, lifting, laughing, or peeing when running or jumping can trigger SUI. It is important to know that this condition is not uncommon, and expert care is available.

What causes SUI in women?

Stress urinary incontinence in women often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincter muscles. These muscles may weaken due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or aging. High-impact activities or conditions leading to chronic coughing can also contribute to the development of SUI.

How can I tell if I have SUI?

If you find yourself experiencing urine leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure—such as exercise or sneezing—it may be a sign of stress urinary incontinence. Consulting a specialist can help determine the exact cause and provide you with a tailored treatment plan.

Can stress urinary incontinence be treated without surgery?

Yes, there are several nonsurgical treatments for SUI in women. Pelvic floor exercises, or Kegel exercises, can strengthen the muscles that control urination. Other conservative approaches include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or the use of vaginal devices to support the bladder.

When is surgery recommended for SUI?

Surgical options might be recommended if conservative treatments do not provide enough relief. Procedures like sling surgery are minimally invasive and offer a high success rate in managing SUI. Surgery is typically a choice after discussing all options with a qualified specialist.

Can SUI worsen over time if untreated?

Without proper intervention, stress urinary incontinence can progress and become more troublesome, affecting daily activities and confidence. Seeking early treatment is crucial in preventing this condition from worsening and improving overall quality of life. This is where the team at Partners in Pelvic Health can assist you in getting a proper diagnosis and speaking to our experienced team about effective treatment options.

Where can I get expert care for stress urinary incontinence?

If you are tired of peeing when running or jumping, or feeling like SUI is standing in the way of enjoying life, help is only a call away. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Sanjay Gandhi and his team at Partners in Pelvic Health by calling (844) 327-1188.

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Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.

Sanjay Gandhi, M.D.
Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology

Conditions affecting the female pelvis are the focus at Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology. We provide effective solutions for these problems from our offices at Park City, Woodstock, and Lake Forest in Illinois.

Our team is headed by Sanjay Gandhi, MD , Urogynecologist. Dr. Gandhi’s specialized education included a residency in gynecology and obstetrics at Northwestern University and a three-year urogynecology fellowship. He is among a few in the country to pass the first examination in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also teaches healthcare students.