Stress can have a profound impact on your health. Many physical conditions can be brought on or worsened by stress. However, in some cases it might not mean what you think.
While stress urinary incontinence is a very real condition, it may not exactly be what you think. Stress incontinence happens when physical movement or activity (coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting) puts pressure on your bladder and causes urine leakage. It’s not actually related to psychological or emotional stress. In this case, stress simply refers to the pressure that’s put on your bladder.
With stress urinary incontinence, the condition can be caused or worsened by pregnancy, childbirth, illnesses that cause chronic sneezing or coughing, prostate surgery, obesity and smoking.
The main symptom of stress incontinence is leakage of urine during movement or physical activity. If you find yourself having a sudden urge to urinate, going more often or even having some leakage before you get there, these could be signs of overactive bladder. Symptoms of overactive bladder can be worsened by stress.
With overactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence, some general lifestyle changes may help the conditions. Your doctor may recommend pelvic floor exercises and/or medication. Bladder training may also be a recommended treatment. This involves stretching out the intervals between your trips to the restroom. You gradually try to lengthen the time between bathroom trips.
Thankfully, incontinence can be treated and, in most cases, corrected or improved so that it is no longer a health and social problem. This treatment can be through medications, special exercises or surgery, which is less common and is for only those who have tried other treatments first.
If you have more concerns about the symptoms you have been experiencing, we recommend consulting with a urologist. You can give us a call at 1-877-321-8452.
