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Involuntary loss of urine when intra-abdominal pressures increase
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Characteristics
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- Common in women
- Sudden loss of urine
- Usually small amounts
- Caused by increased intra-abdominal pressures as experienced when coughing, laughing, lifting and exercise
- Occurs in upright position, not lying down
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Usual Causes
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- Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles (may be due to childbirth, diabetes, incompetent urethra, neuropathies or other causes)
- Bladder neck descent
- Intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency (ISD)
- Obesity may exacerbate the problem
- In men following prostate surgery
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Diagnostic Procedures*
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- Urinalysis
- Urodynamics (Videodynamics)
- Pelvic pressure test
- Ultrasound bladder scan
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Treatment
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- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegal exercises)
- Biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
- Vaginal pessary or vaginal cones
- Medications (for example, oestrogen therapy or drugs that act on bladder muscles)
- Surgery (for example, bladder neck suspension or artificial sphincter)
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* These are some examples of diagnostic procedures that may be ordered by
your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will determine the
appropriate procedure(s) for you.
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