Risk Factors for Stress Incontinence

Risk factors that Metropolitan Urological Specialists in St. Louis, Missouri specialize in include childbirth, menopause, and pelvic surgery (such as a prostatectomy or hysterectomy).

Having A Baby

Pregnancy and childbirth can flatten, stretch, and weaken the pelvic floor muscles which support the bladder neck and urethra. The position of the bladder and urethra might change, bladder control nerves can be damaged, or an episiotomy (incision of the perineum and vagina) may be performed to prevent tearing during vaginal delivery. These kinds of issues will damage the pelvic floor muscle groups.

If urinary control is lost right after giving birth, the pelvic floor muscles may recover within about 6 weeks. If continency isn't restored, treatment may be required. Sometimes incontinency develops months or years after the birth. Ladies who work out the pelvic floor muscle groups (Kegel exercises) are less likely to develop incontinence.
 
Menopause

At menopause, the ovaries quit producing estrogen. Insufficient estrogen brings about thinned tissues that line the urethra, a weakened sphincter mechanism that opens up and closes the urethra, and weak bladder muscles. These factors can cause the urethral sphincter to open during physical exercise.

Pelvic surgery

Pelvic surgery can weaken and damage the pelvic floor muscles, causing the bladder neck and urethra to drop when abdominal pressure is applied (hypermobility) during the course of physical exercise.

Surgical operations which can affect the pelvic floor muscles include the following:
Abdominal resection for colorectal cancer
Total or partial hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Failed surgery to correct stress incontinence

Causes of Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is a result of the following:
Thinning of the urethral lining
Vaginal prolapse (e.g., cystocele, enterocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse, vaginal vault prolapse)
Weakened bladder and/or pelvic floor muscle groups
Damaged urethral sphincter

Sign and Symptom of Stress Incontinence

Urine leaks throughout strenuous physical activity are a symptom of stress incontinence.

If you are living in St. Louis, Washington, Creve Couer, Florissant, or Kirkwood, Missouri and think that you may have stress urinary incontinence, give a call to Metropolitan Urological Specialists at 314-315-9911.