What term describes urinary incontinence caused by increased abdominal pressure, such as during sneezing?

The term describing urinary incontinence that occurs due to increased abdominal pressure, such as when sneezing, is stress incontinence. This type of incontinence is characterized by an involuntary loss of urine that happens when there is a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising can trigger this response, as they put stress on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, which may not be able to adequately prevent leakage.

In contrast, the other types of incontinence mentioned are associated with different mechanisms. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder is overfilled, leading to involuntary leakage. Urge incontinence involves a strong, sudden urge to urinate, often with little warning before involuntary loss occurs, typically related to bladder muscle activity. Functional incontinence is linked to physical or mental impairments that prevent a person from reaching the bathroom in time, rather than issues with the urinary system itself. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why stress incontinence is the correct term for the situation described.