Since November is known as Bladder Health Month, there is no better time than now to discuss the symptoms of stress incontinence.

This is an extremely common bladder condition, and our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson wants you to know that you are far from alone. In fact, about 50% of women between the ages of 40 to 60 have some form of urinary incontinence, according to the American Academy of Physicians.

What Causes Incontinence?

Although anyone can experience the symptoms of stress incontinence, the bladder condition occurs more in women than men. Some of the main causes of stress incontinence in women include childbirth, multiple vaginal deliveries, pregnancy and chronic cough.

When you have stress incontinence, many different activities and movements can trigger leakage.

Stress Incontinence Triggers

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Laughing
• Standing up
• Exercising
• Lifting something heavy

How Can I Make Stress Incontinence Go Away?

That depends on what’s specifically causing your incontinence.

Some cases of stress incontinence can be alleviated with Kegel exercises and bladder training. In other cases, medications and surgery might be needed for people to experience relief.

Treatment of Stress Incontinence

• Do daily pelvic floor exercises.
• Quit smoking.
• Practice proper lifting form.
• Lose weight, if needed.
• Treat constipation promptly.
• Cut down on caffeine.

Do you think your symptoms could be that of stress incontinence? Visit AFC Urgent Care Hixson today! No appointment is necessary.