When we step out into family functions or hang out with close friends, laughter and fun are inevitable. But sometimes, amidst these joyful moments, some women might face a slightly embarrassing situation: unexpected urine leakage.

In this blog, we will try to understand the causes of this condition, prevention and available treatments. So let’s begin. 

Why Does This Sudden Leakage Occur?

It’s a scenario many might find familiar: bursting into laughter at a joke, jumping during a fun activity, or even just a simple sneeze, and then, unexpectedly, a little urine leakage occurs. But why does this happen? Let’s delve deeper.

The human body is a marvel of intricate systems, and the mechanics of our abdomen and urinary system play a key role in this phenomenon.

When actions like laughing, jumping, or sneezing occur, they cause a quick and often forceful increase in abdominal pressure.

Imagine the abdomen as a flexible container holding various organs, including the bladder. When the pressure inside this container suddenly rises, it’s akin to squeezing a water balloon – the contents need to find a way out. The bladder, responsible for storing urine, feels this external pressure.

Wrapped around the bladder are crucial muscles known as the detrusor and pelvic muscles. Think of these muscles as the safety guards of the bladder, ensuring that urine is retained until it’s the appropriate time to release.

However, if these “guards” falter in their duty, even for a moment, by not contracting efficiently, the increased abdominal pressure can push out some urine, leading to that unintentional leakage.

What Causes These Muscles to Sometimes Drop the Ball?

• Aging: Just as the elasticity of our skin changes or the strength of our bones might decrease with age, our internal muscles also undergo changes. As women age, the detrusor and pelvic muscles can start losing their strength and efficiency.
  
  A significant factor behind this weakening is the gradual reduction in the hormone estrogen. Essential for numerous bodily functions, estrogen plays a pivotal role in maintaining the resilience and function of these urinary muscles.

• Childbirth: Motherhood is a beautiful journey but comes with its set of physical challenges. Especially for women who have given birth multiple times through vaginal deliveries, the pelvic muscles have undergone considerable stretching and strain.
  
  Each childbirth experience can place additional pressure on these muscles, and over time, repeated stretching might make it difficult for them to revert to their original strength, leading to a heightened risk of leakage.
  
• Chronic Diseases: Certain long-term health conditions can impact the body’s muscle strength and functionality, including those guarding the bladder. This can, in turn, make unintentional urine leakage more likely.
  
  
• Lifestyle Choices: We often hear about the impacts of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption on our lungs or liver. Still, few are aware that these habits can also take a toll on our pelvic muscles. These substances can potentially weaken the muscle fibers, diminishing their efficiency and making leakage episodes more frequent.

How Can We Prevent This leakage?

Let’s explore the preventive measures and treatments available to address this issue.

Preventive Measures: Nipping the Problem in the Bud

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Our body is a marvel, but it also obeys the laws of physics. Extra weight, especially around the abdominal area, acts like an added force pressing down on the bladder. Think of it as the extra water in an already full water balloon. By maintaining a weight that’s healthy for your height and age, you help reduce this undue pressure, significantly lowering the chances of accidental leakages.

• Limit Smoking and Alcohol: Beyond the commonly discussed respiratory and liver implications, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have a more silent yet equally profound effect on the pelvic muscles. Over time, these habits can cause the muscles to lose their elasticity and strength. By reducing or quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake, you are giving your pelvic muscles a better fighting chance against leakages.

• Be Conscious: It’s all about awareness. While you’re on your journey to strengthen your pelvic muscles and gain better control, it might be beneficial to be a tad more cautious. Quick, forceful movements can unpredictably increase abdominal pressure. Being conscious of this can help you avoid situations where sudden leakage might occur.

Available Treatments

Non-Surgical

• Kegel Exercises: These are specifically designed for strengthening the pelvic muscles, helping women gain better control over them.

• Electric Stimulation Treatment: This helps contract the muscles, improving their function.

• Medications: Some medicines can help in controlling this issue. However, always consult with a fertility specialist in Pune before starting any medication.

Surgical:

• Procedures like the TVT (Tension-Free Vaginal Tape) or TOT (Transobturator Tape) techniques can provide relief from this problem.

Wrapping Up

It’s essential to be aware and take care of our bodies. Unexpected urine leakage can be a cause for embarrassment, but it’s a common issue faced by many women.

By understanding the root causes and seeking proper medical advice, we can effectively manage and, in many cases, overcome this challenge. And remember, for a deeper dive into this matter, we are always here to help. Let’s prioritize our health and well-being.

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Often known as the last glimmer of hope for people who have lost all hope for conceiving a child, Dr. Supriya Puranik is a leading gynaecologist, high risk obstetrician and Head of IVF & Gynaecology department at Ankura Hospital for Women & Children.