Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is one of the most common types of incontinence – affecting up to one in three women at some stage and often affecting men after prostate surgery. It is when urine leaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh, strain, lift, or otherwise move in a way that puts pressure on your bladder.‍‍‍‍

Common causes

Weakened pelvic floor muscles or loss of tissue support

Pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause

Pelvic organ prolapse

Long-term constipation, coughing, or heavy lifting

Prostate surgery

Carrying extra body weight

Assessment

History, including a bladder diary

Checking your pelvic floor muscle strength

Urine test to rule out infection

Cough stress test (coughing with a comfortably full bladder)

Self-help tips

Pelvic floor muscle exercises

Avoid straining when lifting or on the toilet

Manage long-term coughs and constipation

Eat well and stay active with physical activity that you can manage

Limit bladder irritants

Treatment options

Pelvic health physiotherapy

Vaginal oestrogen or support devices (for women)

Continence products like pads or underwear – a continence assessment can assist with this

Surgical options (like slings or bulking agents) if symptoms don’t improve

For more information

Speak to your doctor, specialist, continence advisor, or other healthcare professional

Visit the Continence NZ website www.continence.org.nz

Call the Continence Helpline on 0800 650 659. The Helpline can provide information about bladder and bowel control problems, local continence advisors, as well as send you a wide range of free information resources