What is Stress urinary incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem in women that causes the involuntary loss of urine during coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion such as running or climbing stairs.
What are the causes of SUI?
The cause for this involuntary loss of urine is the weakening of the urethral closure mechanism, which is the result of changes in the pelvic floor region. The main contributing factors are vaginal child birth, obesity and aging.
What are the traditional treatment options?
Until now SUI was treated non-invasively through muscular training, known as Kegel exercises, which are only marginally effective since they rely on daily compliance. SUI is also treated invasively with a surgical implant known as a Urethral Sling. This procedure requires hospitalisation, recovery time and could potentially cause serious complications.