Have you ever experienced bedwetting when laughing out loud or coughing? No need to feel embarrassed, this condition is also experienced by millions of women worldwide.
According to a study published in the Journal of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, 10.3% of women between 19-30 years old experience urinary incontinence (the medical term for involuntary and unintentional leaking of urine).
In general, there are two categories of urinary incontinence. First, functional incontinence which occurs on the way to the toilet and the bladder is already full. Second, stress incontinence which is caused by a pressure or sudden muscle contraction on the bladder. This pressure could happen due to sneezing, coughing, jumping in aerobics classes, etc.
Below are several causes of urinary incontinence and how to overcome them.
- Weak pelvic muscles
Normally, the urethral tract is tightly closed so that no urine can leak, even though there is a pressure on the abdomen. If there is a leak, it might be caused by weakening of pelvic floor muscles. The most common cause is frequent childbirth through normal deliveries. Kegel exercises will help in restoring pelvic floor muscle strength. Make sure you do it right, i.e. contracting the pelvic floor muscles, the muscles that stop the urine flow, instead of the abdominal muscles.
- Low capacity of urinary bladder
There should be no contraction even though the urinary bladder is full, until you are ready to urinate. If you frequently experience leaking of urine before you reach the toilet, Kegel exercises could help. There are also several drugs that can overcome this complaint. You should consult a physician.
- Excessive weight
Excessive weight can increase the pressure on the bladder which leads to bedwetting. In addition, excessive stretching of the stomach, such as pregnancy, could weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
- Certain diet pattern
What you eat also influence your urination habits. Food containing citrus acid, carbonated beverages, or caffeine, can increase the frequency of urination.
Text by Denistya Sagita
Stock photos from meditalk.co.za
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