Stress Incontinence
Leaking urine when I laugh, jump or exercise: what helps?
What is the short answer?
That's stress incontinence, when pressure on the bladder pushes urine past weak support.
It's common after childbirth and with age.
What else should I know?
Pelvic floor therapy helps many women.
Bulking injections and slings are options when exercises aren't enough.
You don't have to give up activities you enjoy.
When should I make an appointment?
If leaks keep you from exercise or social plans, schedule a visit.
What should I ask at my visit?
We’d be glad to talk this through with you at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, or our Conyers Clinic, 1366 Wellbrook Circle Suite B, Conyers, GA 30012. You can ask for a particular urologist by name, or let our scheduling team find the first opening.
How do our urologists approach this?
Our urologists start by confirming that the leaks are stress leaks, the kind set off by a laugh, a jump or a workout, rather than urge leaks from an overactive bladder. Many women have some of both, and that changes the plan. Pelvic floor therapy is usually the first step, and if exercises are not enough, we talk through bulking injections and midurethral slings at our Snellville surgery center.
What happens at a visit?
At your visit we ask when you leak, how often, and what you have already tried. A short exam, a urine test and a quick bladder scan are common, and some women keep a bladder diary for a few days. You leave with a clear next step.
When should I call?
Call us if leaks are keeping you from exercise, work or time with friends, or if you also notice burning, blood in the urine or trouble emptying your bladder.
Is there a video on this?
This Advanced Urology video looks at stress leakage and the ways it is treated.
- Watch: Dr. Herman Bagga discusses options for Urinary Stress Incontinence What the video covers: Dr. Herman Bagga and Boston Scientific discuss the signs, symptoms and treatment options for stress urinary incontinence.
What should I read next?
This is general education, not a diagnosis. All articles