Stress incontinence, female

This code represents the involuntary leakage of urine in women due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as during coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion. It is caused by weakness or damage to the pelvic floor muscles and/or the urethral sphincter.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a female patient experiencing stress urinary incontinence. This diagnosis is supported by a history of urine leakage with physical activity or increased abdominal pressure, and often confirmed by physical examination or urodynamic studies.

• Differentiate from urge incontinence (overactive bladder) or mixed incontinence; this code is specific to stress incontinence.
• Ensure documentation specifies "female" to avoid confusion with male stress incontinence, which is coded differently.
• Consider sequencing with any underlying conditions contributing to pelvic floor weakness, if applicable.