Stress urinary incontinence is usually an involuntary leakage of urine. It occurs when there is an increase in abdominal pressure, which may be caused by sneezing or coughing. Stress urinary incontinence is the result of tension and resistance in the duct through which urine is expelled.
How does stress cause urinary incontinence?
The causes of urinary incontinence There are many examples of this. The stress-related bladder weakness are the most common. In moments of intense stress, the body releases adrenaline. This can trigger the fight-or-flight response that speeds up the body's reactions. It is easy to see why urinary incontinence can easily occur during times of stress.
Bladder weakness usually occurs when the urethral sphincter resistance is reduced. The sphincter cannot prevent the release of urine when the pressure from the abdomen is increased. Risk factors for this type of incontinence include age and damage to the urethra.
Why does stress make you want to urinate?
Indeed, the stress The reason why the urge to 'pee' is so strong is that the voluntary control of urination is carried out by two areas of the brain: the frontal part of the neocortex and the limbic system. The first allows the identification of the need and the adoption of an appropriate behaviour (the striated sphincter closes and the perineum contracts, among others). The second is the seat of emotions.
The limbic system
When under stress, emotion amplifies the need to urinate. It is the limbic system that makes us go to the toilet more often. In addition, under a strong emotion such as fear, the limbic system overrides the control of the cortex. The urination is thus triggered involuntarily. This explains why changes or high stress situations are likely to trigger bladder weakness or a enuresis in a clean child.
Male urinary incontinence: how to manage stress?
Bladder weakness can occur at important times in life. What can be done to avoid incontinence during an appointment? How can you limit your stress?
Stress and incontinence: life situations
Before a job interview, an important professional or personal meeting, a competition or before meeting someone for the first time... All these moments in life can be stressful. And it is often in these situations that theurge to urinate arises. Indeed, with anxiety, the muscles stiffenThe bladder is compressed and the need to urinate arises, even when it is almost empty. The bladder is then compressed and the need to urinate arises, even when it is almost empty. If you already suffer from bladder weakness, you are even more apprehensive about these situations.
Managing stress to avoid bladder weakness before an important appointment
For avoid bladder weakness in stressful times ahead, the first recommendation is toavoid drinking in the hours before the appointment. It is also important to avoid drinks considered to be diuretic like coffee or tea. It is best to limit the risks as much as possible.
In order to avoid urine leakage during an important time, it is recommended to going to the toilet at the last moment. This ensures that the bladder is completely empty before the appointment. This step allows you to feel at ease and to take away a good dose of stress.
Another valuable tip for limiting impromptu leaks is to arrive slightly early, if possible, to locate nearby toilets. Knowing that there is a fallback solution gives peace of mind and helps to manage stress.
In addition, and for safety, wearing discreet protection such as a penis clamp can greatly reduce stress levels.
Stress and incontinence: treating male urinary incontinence caused by stress
Preventing male urinary incontinence is possible! Indeed, by reducing stressful situations in his lifeThe risk of bladder weakness is reduced. Here are some tips to try and put into practice to de-stress on a daily basis:
- Exercise is one of the best things you can do to reduce anxiety. Yoga is a highly recommended physical activity for strengthening muscles.
- Carrying out breathing exercises. Taking a few deep breaths helps to calm you down instantly. To do this, sit in a quiet room, close your eyes, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth for at least 5 minutes.
- Try the sophrology or hypnotherapy.
- Follow a healthy diet helps you feel better and manage your anxieties.
- Listening to music and meditating can be relaxing activities to reduce urine leakage.
Talking to your doctor
In the case of urinary incontinence, the most important thing is to talk to your doctor quickly (treating physician, urologist...) to find a appropriate treatment and get on with his life normally, or almost normally.
