an integral part of maintaining urinary continence, and it is important to understand its role in some conditions: Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem related to the function of the urethral sphincter. Weak pelvic floor muscles, intrinsic sphincter damage, or damage to the surrounding nerves and tissue can make the urethral sphincter incompetent, and subsequently, it will not close fully, leading to stress urinary incontinence. In women, childbirth, obesity, and age can all be risk factors, especially by weakening the pelvic floor muscles. In men, prostate surgery (prostatectomy, TURP, etc) and radiation therapy can damage the sphincter and cause stress incontinence. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction can involve a malfunctioning urethral sphincter. Urge incontinence can happen when the urethra can't hold the urine in as the bladder contracts uncontrollably. Retrograde ejaculation can occur when the urethral sphincter fails to adequately contract during ejaculation. See also Stress urinary incontinence Membranous Urethra Artificial Urinary Sphincter References External links - "Muscles of the female urogenital diaphragm (deep perineal pouch) and structures located inferior to it." Perineum Urinary system Urethra