Why Do I Have Bladder Leakage When I Laugh Too Hard?

Urinary incontinence is defined as losing control over your bladder, resulting in the leakage of urine. While incontinence can be embarrassing for those afflicted with it, don't let that stop you from seeing your doctor. Your doctor can help develop a treatment plan for you, as well as rule out any more serious underlying conditions.

Identification

• There are different types of urinary incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder as a result of common activities such as laughing, sneezing or coughing. Your bladder does not have to feel full for this to happen. A weakened urinary sphincter (the "valve" that allows urine to exit your body) and weakened muscles that support your bladder are responsible for your loss of bladder control. With these muscles weakened, your body only needs a source of pressure, such as laughing, to trigger the involuntary release of urine.

Causes

• Stress incontinence in males can be caused by the removal of the prostate gland. For women, stress incontinence can be caused by changes from menopause, pregnancy and childbirth.

Considerations

• According to the Mayo Clinic, stress incontinence is more likely to occur in women than in men. Other factors that increase your risk of stress incontinence are age, excess weight, smoking and diseases such as diabetes.

Treatment

• Two medications that your doctor may prescribe for improving your bladder control include topical estrogen (for women) and imipramine.

Therapy

• Your doctor may also recommend certain types of therapies to treat your stress incontinence. Kegel exercises can strengthen both your urinary sphincter and your pelvic muscles.