Why do I pee when I cough?
Are you wondering why you sometimes pee when you cough?
Don't worry, you're definitely not alone! Lots of people deal with this issue. Actually, around 14 million folks in the UK experience some level of urinary incontinence, which can really impact their day-to-day life.
It happens because the muscles in your bladder might not be as strong as they should be. Let's dive into the different kinds of urinary incontinence and figure out why those little leaks happen, especially when you cough.
Why do I pee when I cough?
It's a simple question that comes down to a simple answer - stress incontinence.
Stress incontinence is a prevalent and often underestimated condition that comes about when the pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter weaken or sustain damage.
These important support systems in our body are responsible for maintaining control over the flow of urine and, when compromised, can result in unwanted bladder leakage.
The long-term effects of bladder control
Pelvic floor muscles are super important for bladder control—they're like a trusty hammock holding up your bladder and urethra. Ever wondered why you might leak a little when you cough? Yep, those muscles are involved.
For women, pregnancy and childbirth can put a lot of strain on these muscles. It's like they're doing heavy lifting! But sometimes, all that stretching and stress can lead to issues with bladder control down the road, even years later.
Obesity and medical conditions
Did you know that being overweight can sometimes make you pee when you cough? Carrying extra weight puts pressure on your pelvic floor, which can weaken it over time.
Conditions that make you cough a lot can also strain the muscles responsible for bladder control. So, if you're dealing with stress incontinence, your weight and your coughing habits might be playing a role.
But don't worry, there are ways to help strengthen those muscles and improve bladder control!
How to stop yourself peeing when you cough
So, we know some of the reasons behind those unexpected urine leaks when you cough; let’s see how we can stop it from happening as much going forward.
From Kegel exercises and lifestyle changes to mastering controlled coughing techniques, there are plenty of actionable steps to take.
Kegel exercises
These are super helpful for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for controlling when you pee. When you do Kegel exercises regularly, you'll notice some great benefits:
Stronger Muscles - These exercises help beef up your pelvic floor muscles, making it easier for them to support your bladder. This means fewer leaks!
Better Control - By practising Kegels often, you'll gain more control over when you go to the bathroom. That means fewer surprise leaks and more confidence.
Controlled coughing
Want to tackle a pesky cough and maybe even reduce those unexpected leaks? Here are some simple tips:
Sit up straight - Before you cough, try sitting with good posture. It gives your bladder better support and makes coughing less intense.
Flex those muscles - Tighten your pelvic floor muscles before and during coughing. This gives your bladder a little extra support to withstand the pressure.
Breathe easy - Instead of big, sudden exhales, try to breathe steadily when you cough. This helps ease the strain on your bladder muscles.
Lifestyle changes
Want to feel more confident and comfortable when you cough? Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
Manage your weight - Losing extra pounds can ease pressure on your pelvic muscles, making leaks less likely.
Cut back on caffeine and alcohol - These can irritate your bladder, making leaks worse.
Kick the habit - Smoking can lead to chronic coughing, which can make leaks more likely.
Watch your drinking habits -Stay hydrated, but try spreading out your fluids throughout the day to help reduce sudden urges.
Take it easy on heavy lifting - Straining can stress your pelvic floor muscles, leading to leaks. Use proper lifting techniques to protect yourself.
Peeing when coughing: annoying but avoidable
As you can see, the reasons why you pee when you cough can be varied, as are the solutions and lifestyle changes towards reducing it. But there’s one solution that can help you face urinary incontinence with confidence.
Are you peeing when coughing and looking for cost-effective solutions that improve your comfort and dignity? Then look no further than incontinence pads from Incontinence UK.
If you're dealing with the sudden urge of urinary incontinence, our incontinence pads and pants offer reliable protection that minimises discomfort and maximises discretion.
And for prices lower than supermarket costs - even for the most premium brands like TENA and Drylife - Incontinence UK is the best choice for you.
What's more, if you subscribe to your incontinence product of choice, you can enjoy 10% off every order and convenient doorstep delivery.
