WHAT CAUSES STRESS INCONTINENCE ?
Physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are common causes of stress incontinence. It is the most common form of incontinence in women and is treatable. Certain muscles, known as the “pelvic floor muscles” support the bladder. If these muscles weaken, the bladder can move downward, pushing slightly out of the bottom of the pelvis toward the vagina. This prevents muscles that ordinarily force the urethra shut from squeezing as tightly as they should. As a result, urine can leak into the urethra during moments of physical stress. Stress incontinence also occurs if the muscles that do the squeezing weaken. Stress incontinence can worsen during the week before menstrual period. At that time, lowered estrogen levels might lead to lower muscular pressure around the urethra, increasing chances of leakage. The incidence of stress incontinence increases following menopause. Stress incontinence can also occur as a result of drugs, Surgical trauma or radiation damage.
Most cases of stress incontinence are due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. The common reason for the pelvic floor muscles to become weakened is childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that wrap around the underside of the bladder and rectum. Stress incontinence is common in women who have had children. It is also more common with increasing age as the muscles become weaker, particularly after the menopause. Stress incontinence is also more common in women who are obese.
Stress incontinence occurs when the bladder stops working properly. There are several possible causes:- • Childbirth – the pelvic floor muscles are weakened or damaged during pregnancy and labour (studies indicate that over 30% of women have it three months after giving birth and 40% six years later)*. • Post-menopause – lower levels of oestrogen in the body cause the urinary tract to become drier and thinner. As the muscles are less toned they can’t control the flow of urine properly. • Pelvic surgery. • Valve leakage at the bottom of the bladder. • Effects on the complicated neurological system that controls the bladder. • Constipation. • Chronic cough.
