What is Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency?

Do you leak urine when you exercise, laugh, or cough? If so, you may have a condition called intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Keep reading to learn more about this condition and what treatments are available.

ISD occurs when the muscles and tissues that make up the urinary sphincter are weakened or damaged. The urinary sphincter is a small muscle that controls the release of urine from your bladder. When this muscle is damaged, it can cause urine to leak out uncontrollably. ISD can occur in both men and women, but it is more common in women.

•  Childbirth: Childbirth can weaken or damage the muscles and tissues around the bladder, resulting in ISD. This is more likely to occur if you have had a vaginal delivery or if you have had multiple births.
• Pelvic surgery: Surgery that is done to treat other conditions of the pelvic region, such as endometriosis or prolapse, can sometimes cause ISD.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy that is used to treat cancer can damage the urinary sphincter and lead to ISD.

The most common symptom of ISD is urine leakage. This can happen when you exercise, laugh, cough, or do any other activity that puts pressure on your bladder. Urine leakage from ISD is usually a small amount of urine; however, some people may experience larger amounts of leakage. In rare cases, people with ISD may not be able to control their urination at all. Other symptoms of ISD include

• A strong urge to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine Due to its association with these additional symptoms, many people with ISD also have a condition called overactive bladder (OAB). OAB occurs when the muscles around the bladder contract too often or too forcefully, causing urinary frequency and urgency.

 Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is a condition that occurs when the muscles and tissues that make up the urinary sphincter are weakened or damaged. This can cause urine leakage when coughing, laughing, exercising, or doing any other activity that puts pressure on the bladder. Although there is no cure for ISD, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. If you think you may have ISD, talk to your doctor about treatment options.