Decrease/impaired resistance at level of bladder neck such that any increase in abdominal pressure (e.g. w/coughing) causes leakage of urine
Caused by urethral hypermobility, due to decreased support from pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue → urethra and bladder neck cant close in response to increased intra-abdominal pressure
Also contribution from loss of urethral muocsa and muscular tone → decresed urethral closure
Direct damage to sphincter during GU surgery (men)