Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

What is stress urinary incontinence and how to cope with it?

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is characterised by the unintentional release of urine during physical stress, such as coughing, laughing, or exercising.

What is stress urinary incontinence and how to cope with it?

Stress incontinence happens when the muscles and tissues that provide support to the urethra or pelvic floor muscles and the muscles that regulate urine release become weakened, the Mayo Clinic informs. As the bladder fills with urine, it expands.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent condition that impacts many individuals all over the world. It is characterised by the unintentional release of urine during physical stress, such as coughing, laughing, or exercising.


Although SUI can be a challenging and humiliating condition, it is possible to manage and treat it effectively with the right approach, the Times of India explains.

Causes

According to Cleveland Clinic, stress urinary incontinence occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter are weakened, leading to accidental leakage of urine during physical activities that put pressure on the bladder and urethra. As mentioned above, these activities can include coughing, laughing, exercising, or even just bending over.

Dr Ruchi Bhandari, consultant gynaecologist, infertility specialist, and director, of Mishka IVF Centre, Jaipur, India is reported to have said, “The main cause of SUI is a weak pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles help to support the bladder and control urination.”

She adds, “Over time, these muscles can weaken, leading to SUI. Pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, aging, and obesity can also contribute to the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of SUI. Women are more likely to experience SUI than men, but anyone can be affected by this condition.”

Symptoms

The primary symptom of stress incontinence is urinary leakage during moments of bladder pressure. In mild cases, urine may only leak in small drops during the activities like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or heavy exercise.

However, in more severe cases, moderate to heavy urinary leakage can also reportedly occur during less strenuous activities, such as standing up or bending over.

Some individuals with severe stress incontinence may even experience urine leakage during sexual intercourse.

Treatment & management

There are reportedly numerous approaches accessible for treating SUI. One well-known and successful treatment is pelvic floor muscle exercises, which are also called Kegels.

These exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and aid in preventing and managing SUI.

Making lifestyle modifications such as shedding excess weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding bladder irritants can also be effective in decreasing SUI symptoms.

Exercise to strengthen pelvic floor muscles:

  • To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, sit comfortably and contract them 10 to 15 times.
  • Make sure to breathe normally and avoid tensing your legs, buttocks, or abdomen at the same time.
  • As you become accustomed to performing pelvic floor exercises, you may want to try holding each contraction for a few seconds.

According to Dr Bhandari, medications such as antimuscarinics and beta-3 agonists can be prescribed to reduce SUI by relaxing the bladder muscles.

In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the pelvic floor muscles or bladder neck through a sling procedure.

Laser therapy is reportedly another effective treatment that utilises CO2 lasers to improve the strength and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles.

This non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure is performed by cosmetic gynecologists and provides long-lasting results, reducing the need for bulky incontinence products.

The resolution of SUI can lead to an improved quality of life and increased confidence for women.

More For You

heatwave

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts

Getty Images

Doctors warn of hidden signs of heat stroke as UK issues amber alerts

Key points

  • Amber heat-health alerts issued as temperatures approach 35°C in parts of the UK.
  • Early signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, and dizziness.
  • Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke if not treated within 30 minutes.
  • At-risk groups include the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions.
  • NHS and health experts urge people to stay hydrated, cool, and avoid midday sun.

Medical experts are urging the public to remain alert for the early signs of heat stroke, as temperatures across parts of England are expected to reach up to 35°C. The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued amber heat-health alerts, warning that extreme heat can have serious health impacts. Doctors stress that symptoms can begin subtly, making early intervention crucial.

Heat alerts across multiple regions

Amber-level warnings are in effect for the West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, South East, South West, London, and the East of England.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Clarkson pub

The controversy surrounding the ketchup ban caught the attention of British condiment company Condimaniac

Getty Images

Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub ends ketchup ban with British-made alternative

Key points

  • Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog pub banned non-British products, including ketchup and Coca-Cola.
  • The rule sparked months of backlash from customers who called it “weird”.
  • British condiment company Condimaniac developed a 100% British-sourced ketchup in response.
  • The new ketchup will be stocked at the pub, but only in full bottles for purchase.
  • Some visitors remain critical as the condiment isn’t yet available for table use.

Jeremy Clarkson’s strict British-only policy at his Farmer’s Dog pub has caused considerable controversy since its launch, particularly due to the absence of staple condiments like ketchup. However, a recent development by a British condiment company could finally offer a compromise. The pub will now stock a fully British-sourced ketchup developed in response to the ban, although it will only be available to buy in bottles rather than offered with meals.

Clarkson's British-only policy sparked backlash

When Jeremy Clarkson opened the Farmer’s Dog pub in the Cotswolds, featured on the Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, he introduced a strict rule: the pub would serve only 100% British food and drink. This ethos was designed to promote local sourcing and support British farming and production.

Keep ReadingShow less
Turkey wildfires 2025

The Turkey wildfires have not been limited to Izmir

Getty Images

Turkey wildfires disrupt travel as Izmir airport closes

Key points

  • Tourists stranded after Foça wildfire halts flights at Izmir airport
  • At least 550 people evacuated from homes in the region
  • Over 600 personnel deployed to contain the blaze
  • Strong winds and heat raise risk of further fires

Wildfires force airport shutdown in Turkish holiday hotspot

Hundreds of UK tourists, including several from Glasgow, have been left stranded after major wildfires swept through a popular holiday destination in western Turkey, forcing the closure of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

The blaze broke out in the resort town of Foça, near Izmir, and was rapidly intensified by strong winds, prompting large-scale evacuations and flight disruptions. All operations at the airport were suspended from 4 pm local time due to ongoing extinguishing efforts, with multiple flights reportedly diverted.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shefali Jariwala

Glutathione and anti ageing drugs under spotlight after Shefali Jariwala death

Instagram/shefalijariwala

Did anti-ageing pills, beauty supplements and glutathione trigger Shefali Jariwala’s death?

Quick highlights:

  • Shefali Jariwala died at 42 in Mumbai after reportedly collapsing post-fast; cause of death suspected to be cardiac arrest or blood pressure drop.
  • Police found anti-ageing pills, vitamin supplements, and glutathione injections at her residence.
  • Doctors stress the risks of unsupervised use of hormone-based and anti-ageing treatments.
  • Final post-mortem report expected in two days; no foul play suspected, case treated as accidental death.

The untimely death of actor-model Shefali Jariwala has sparked renewed concern over the unregulated use of anti-ageing treatments and self-medication. The 42-year-old, best known for her appearance in Kaanta Laga, was declared dead on arrival at a Mumbai hospital on Friday night. Initial investigations suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest following a steep drop in blood pressure, possibly linked to taking supplements on an empty stomach.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prada 2026 sandals

Prada acknowledges Indian influence behind its Spring Summer 2026 men’s footwear

Instagram/prada/iStock

Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspired 2026 sandals after Indian backlash over Milan show

Quick highlights:

• Prada confirms Indian roots behind 2026 ‘leather sandals’ after controversy
• Indian artisans and officials accused the brand of cultural appropriation
• The footwear resembles traditional Kolhapuri chappals with GI status
• Prada says designs are still in development and open to dialogue with India

Keep ReadingShow less