How To Stop Urine Leakage When Coughing

For many people, an unexpected sneeze or cough can result in urine leakage. This is a common symptom of incontinence, which can be both distressing and inconvenient. With the demand for solutions growing, understanding the causes and prevention methods for urine leakage is increasingly important. In this article, MoliCare will guide you on how to prevent urine leakage when coughing, identify its causes, and explore practical strategies to manage it, ensuring you maintain confidence in every situation.

Urine leakage may not always be noticeable, especially if it's minor. If you find your underwear damp after coughing or sneezing, it could indicate incontinence. 

Keeping a diary to record any leaks, particularly after coughing, sneezing, or laughing, can help. This information will be useful when consulting with a healthcare professional to assess the severity of the condition.

When you cough, laugh, or sneeze, it causes a sudden pressure increase that affects your bladder. If your pelvic floor muscles aren't strong enough to handle this pressure, urine may leak. This is often seen in individuals with weakened pelvic floor muscles or those experiencing stress urinary incontinence. Coughing, whether temporary or chronic, can worsen the problem, resulting in more frequent and noticeable leaks.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is characterised by the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, laughing, or sneezing. This condition typically results from weaknesses in the pelvic floor muscles or the urethral sphincter, the muscle responsible for controlling urine flow.

Stress incontinence is a common issue, particularly among women, with research indicating that around 9.6 million women may experience bladder problems. While less prevalent in men, approximately one in twenty-five men over the age of 40 will face some form of urinary incontinence, with younger men aged 18-25 also possibly affected. Prostate issues can exacerbate incontinence, making it essential to remain vigilant about stress urinary incontinence as conditions may deteriorate over time.

It's important to note that "stress" in stress incontinence refers to physical pressure on the bladder rather than emotional or psychological stress. When you cough, sneeze, or partake in vigorous activities, this increased pressure can cause urine leakage, particularly if the pelvic floor muscles are weak.

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) increases with activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, and certain physical movements. This pressure affects your core muscles, including the pelvic floor, abdominals, and diaphragm. 

The body uses IAP naturally to stabilise the torso during different activities. However, sudden increases in IAP, like those from sneezing or coughing, can pose issues. This is particularly true for women who are pregnant, recently postpartum, or dealing with conditions like prolapse. In such cases, the pelvic floor might lack the strength or reflexive function needed to manage these pressure spikes effectively. This can lead to a sensation of downward pressure on the pelvic floor or even result in urinary leakage.

Bladder leaks during coughing can be distressing, but there are several strategies to address this issue:

1. Kegel Exercises: Regularly practicing Kegel exercises – also known as pelvic floor exercises - can enhance the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. While they can be done independently, some opt for Kegel weights or internal devices. However, it's essential to approach these tools with caution, as improper use can lead to complications.
2. Controlled Coughing Techniques: Techniques like controlled coughing and airway clearance can help minimise leakage. Adopting an upright posture before coughing or employing “The Knack” technique - tightening and lifting the pelvic floor before a cough - can offer protection.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Changes such as weight loss can alleviate pressure on the pelvic floor. Other changes, like, increasing water intake, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can improve overall bladder health. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can put additional pressure on the bladder. Losing weight can alleviate some of this pressure and reduce instances of leakage.
4. Breathing Techniques: Proper breathing patterns can enhance the function of the inner core muscles, aiding incontinence. These techniques can be very effective for many.
5. Adjusting Posture: Adopting a tall posture, bending at the hips, or even sitting down before a cough can position the core muscles optimally, reducing the risk of leaks.
6. Surgery: For those with severe symptoms, surgical options might be considered. These can range from sling procedures to inflatable artificial sphincters. It's vital to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action.
7. Post-Illness Considerations: It's worth noting that after a cold or other respiratory illness- especially if the illness caused frequent coughing - an increase in pelvic floor symptoms is common but temporary, and these symptoms should resolve on their own. Urinary tract infections can also temporarily cause incontinence - as can being very constipated, so the best way to treat this would be to treat those individual conditions first. Chronic constipation and straining can also cause a weakened pelvic floor over time.
    

In summary, experiencing involuntary urine leakage when coughing, laughing, or sneezing can be discouraging. However, understanding the causes and implementing simple lifestyle changes can help prevent it. By seeking the right interventions, you can quickly regain confidence and control.