Stress Incontinence in Women

This clinical practice article addresses the evaluation and management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, a common condition causing involuntary urine leakage during physical exertion. The report highlights key diagnostic strategies, including patient history, pelvic examination, and urinalysis, and reviews evidence based treatment options such as weight loss, pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises), vaginal devices (e.g., pessaries), and surgical interventions (e.g., midurethral mesh slings). The article emphasizes the importance of shared decision making, particularly for surgical options, and discusses the efficacy, risks, and controversies surrounding midurethral slings. A case vignette illustrates practical clinical recommendations for managing SUI in a 43-year-old woman with obesity and worsening symptoms.

This clinical practice article addresses the evaluation and management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, a common condition causing involuntary urine leakage during physical exertion. The report highlights key diagnostic strategies, including patient history, pelvic examination, and urinalysis, and reviews evidence based treatment options such as weight loss, pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises), vaginal devices (e.g., pessaries), and surgical interventions (e.g., midurethral mesh slings). The article emphasizes the importance of shared decision making, particularly for surgical options, and discusses the efficacy, risks, and controversies surrounding midurethral slings. A case vignette illustrates practical clinical recommendations for managing SUI in a 43-year-old woman with obesity and worsening symptoms.