By Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editorWhen your bladder isnt as reliable as youd like, all sorts of day-to-day situations become unexpectedly stressful. Who wants to worry about embarrassing leaks every time you sit down to giggle over an episode of
Modern Family? Here are the top ten bladder triggers, and ways to keep them in check.
1. Laughing or sneezingWhy leaks happenThe pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and urethra are weakened. So when you laugh, the sphincter muscle at the juncture between the urethra and bladder cant hold as tightly as it should.
What to do- Schedule bathroom trips at regular, set intervals. Learning to follow a bathroom schedule is known as bladder training, and over time it can help your bladder relearn how not to release unexpectedly.
- Get a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor strengthening. You can learn exercises to regain control over these muscles.
- Practice double voiding. If incontinence seems to be related to your bladder not emptying completely, returning to the bathroom after waiting a few minutes can help eliminate residual urine.
- Dont get caught out. If you havent been to the bathroom in a while and someone launches into a joke, dont feel self-conscious about excusing yourself. Its OK to say, Hold that thought so you dont miss out on a good laugh.
10 Ways to Live Normally With a Leaky BladderTop 10 Bladder Triggers and How to Turn Them Off originally appeared on Caring.com.
