Urology corner: An overview of stress urinary incontinence

Urologist Cletus Georges, MD, is a teacher, adviser, part of a review committee, and department chairman who graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology (Biomedical Options) from Andrews University in 1987. In recent months, he has added blogging to his activities to inform and educate people about urology.

For this blog, Cletus Georges, MD, explores stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Many people experience the unintentional release of urine, which is also referred to as urinary incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence, however, is what happens when urine is unintentionally expelled after a person coughs, sneezes, laughs, suddenly moves, or experiences any external stressor that puts pressure on the bladder. This is why the word “stress” is added to the term.

Several known risk factors lead to SUI, which include aging and being overweight. These conditions lead to weakened muscles and SUI. Women who have had normal deliveries and those who have undergone hysterectomy are also at risk of developing SUI. A strong correlation was also found between prostate cancer in men and SUI.

Cletus Georges, MD, notes SUI is more common in women than in men. And while SUI is not related to psychological stress, it does carry with it some psychological effects. People may feel the need to isolate themselves, embarrassed at what might happen in social scenarios.

The good news is that SUI can be treated, adds Cletus Georges, MD.

Cletus Georges, MD, attended Cornell University Medical College and graduated in 1991. He completed his residency in Urology at Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center in 1997. He started his practice in Sebring, Florida, from August 1997 until December 1998. He then relocated to Orlando, Florida, and worked with Mid Florida Urological Associates until 2014. For related reading, visit this page.