Why do I pee when I cough?

Why do I pee when I cough?

Do you find yourself asking "Why do I pee when I cough?"

If so, you're not alone, many people experience this. In fact, around 14 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence that affects their quality of life in some way or another. This involuntary urine leakage can be triggered by a variety of factors, often due to the weakening of bladder muscles.

Join us as we explore the different types of urinary incontinence and shed light on the reasons behind those unexpected leaks, especially when you cough.

• Why do I pee when I cough?
• How to stop incontinence when coughing
• Manage your urinary incontinence with confidence every day

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. This can have immediate impacts on your quality of life.

The long-term effects of pregnancy

Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bladder control, and are a big reason as to why you might pee when you cough. Think of them as a hammock, supporting the bladder and urethra.

For women, the physical stresses of pregnancy and childbirth can strain the pelvic floor so much that it contributes to a weakening of the muscles in the long term. The stretching and stress placed on these muscles can lead to long-term challenges with bladder control, even years after.

Obesity and medical conditions

Obesity is also a notable contributor to stress incontinence, and might explain why some people pee when they cough. Excess weight can place increased pressure on the pelvic floor, weakening it over time. Obesity is also associated with some metabolic and hormonal changes that can cause further compromise to the integrity of the pelvic floor muscles.

Medical conditions that cause chronic and persistent coughing can also cause repetitive stress on the pelvic floor, with each cough straining the muscles important for bladder control.

How to stop incontinence when coughing

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

Also known as pelvic floor exercises, these are a game-changer when it comes to strengthening those pelvic floor muscles. That's because they specifically target the muscles responsible for controlling the passage of urine, offering a proactive and empowering way to prevent unintentional leaks.

By incorporating pelvic floor exercises, you can enjoy a number of benefits including:

• Increased muscle strength - Strengthening the pelvic floor helps your ability to support the bladder, reducing the likelihood of urine leaks.
• Improved bladder control - Regular practice can lead to better control over the passing of urine, further minimizing the number of urine leaks.

Controlled coughing

If you can learn to effectively manage your coughing - especially a chronic cough episode - you can be well on your way to reducing urinary leakage. Some important tips for managing your coughing include:

• Keep an eye on your posture - If you can help it, try to sit upright with a straight spine before coughing. This will provide better support to the pelvic muscles and reduce the impact of coughing on bladder control.
• Engage your pelvic floor - Similarly, engage your pelvic floor muscles before and during a cough. As a natural support system for the bladder, this will counteract the downward pressure caused by coughing; this is also known as the "Knack" method.
• Controlled breathing - Focus on controlling your breathing to help regulate the force and intensity of your coughing. Instead of sudden, forceful exhales

Lifestyle changes

Making a few simple but impactful lifestyle changes can be a game-changer when it comes to stopping leaks during coughing episodes, alleviating the pressure on your pelvic muscles.

• Weight management - Shedding excess weight wherever possible is a powerful step towards improved bladder control. As we know, carrying extra pounds can add undue stress to the pelvic floor.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol - Both of these substances are known to irritate the bladder and can exacerbate incontinence. Cutting back on these substances can help reduce the frequency and severity of leaks during coughing spells.
• Stop smoking - Smoking is linked to chronic coughing and respiratory issues, increasing the likelihood of peeing when coughing. Quitting is in your best interest when it comes to your overall health, but will also reduce the amount of coughing you'll experience.
• Drinking habits - Staying hydrated is important for managing incontinence, but keeping an eye on your fluid intake more closely is also key. Drinking smaller amounts of fluids throughout the day, rather than lots all at once, will help prevent urinary urgency.
• Avoid heavy lifting - Straining during heavy lifting can exert unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor and contribute to stress incontinence. When heavy lifting is a must, make sure you use appropriate techniques to help protect pelvic muscles.

Peeing when coughing, an avoidable issue

As you can see, the reason why you pee when you cough is multifaceted, 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 seeking cost-effective solutions that improve your comfort and dignity? Then look no further than Incontinence Shop.

If you're dealing with the sudden urge of urinary incontinence, our incontinence pads and pants offer reliable protection that minimizes discomfort and maximizes discretion.

And for prices lower than supermarket costs - even for the most premium brands like TENA and Drylife - Incontinence Shop is the best choice for you.

What's more, if you subscribe to your incontinence product of choice, then you can enjoy 10% off every order as well as convenient doorstep delivery.