• SUI is an involuntary loss of urine that occurs during physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise. 
• It occurs in all age groups. 
• Sometimes, SUI is accompanied by a weakening in the entire pelvic floor resulting in the herniation of the bladder (cystocele), rectum (rectocoele) or uterus (uterine prolapse) into the vagina. 
• A weak urethral sphincter or a malfunction in the urethral sphincter may cause SUI. 
• Previous childbirth and pelvic surgery are the most common risk factors.

• Leakage accompanied by a strong urge to urinate. 
• Insuppressible involuntary bladder urinary contractions.
• Running water or excessive cold may trigger UUI. 
• Greater at night or first thing in the morning .
• Most common in older women.

• Neurological injuries (such as spinal cord injury or stroke).
• Neurological diseases (such as multiple sclerosis).
• Infection, inflammation, or bladder outlet obstruction.

Incontinence is sometimes easily diagnosed based on a personal history and physical exam. Patients who only leak with a cough or laugh or who demonstrate leakage with a full bladder most likely have SUI. Other patients may need further testing (see below) to find the cause of their leakage. Many patients require one or more of these tests during their initial evaluation.

• Post void residual -measurement of the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating. Patients who do not empty their bladders will sometimes have leakage from urine overflow. 
• Urinalysis and urine culture -a procedure to look for a urinary tract infection. 
• A pad test - the patient collects her pads over a 24-hour period to determine the incontinence’s severity. 
• Video urodynamics - a test that places a small catheter in the bladder, filled with a water-based x-ray detectable dye . Bladder pressures are measured during filling and voiding and x-rays are taken .To see if the sphincter is weak a bladder test is done. 
• Cystoscopy is an endoscopic look inside the bladder.