Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a leakage of urine during moments of physical activity that increases abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise. SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women but can affect both sexes. Many people think urinary incontinence is part of the aging process, but it is not. It can be managed and treated. SUI can happen when pelvic tissues and muscles, which support the bladder and urethra, become weak and allow the bladder “neck” (where the bladder and urethra intersect) to descend during bursts of physical activity. This descent can prevent the urethra from working properly to control the flow of urine. Weakness may occur from pregnancy, childbirth, aging or prior pelvic surgery.

Hematuria is the presence of blood, specifically red blood cells, in the urine. Whether the blood is visible only under a microscope or visible to the naked eye, hematuria is a sign that something is causing bleeding in the genitourinary tract. Causes of this condition range from non-life threatening (e.g., urinary tract infection) to profoundly serious (e.g., cancer, kidney disease). Therefore, a health care provider should be consulted as soon as possible.