Why Do I Pee When I Cough?

Many of us are familiar with those moments where you cough, and then suddenly you are a little damp *down there*. But have you ever wondered why, exactly, it happens, and what  you can do about it? Let's find out why many of us experience this and also explore what can provide some form of relief.

why do I pee when I cough?

Peeing when you cough is a common occurrence, and it can be a sign of temporary urinary incontinence. There are various types of urinary incontinence, which can be caused by: 

• eating hot and spicy foods

• drinking too much

• urinary tract infection (UTI) 

• stress urinary incontinence (SUI) 

Note that SUI is different from urge incontinence and overflow incontinence. Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder, while overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder does not completely empty. 

what is stress incontinence?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Stress incontinence is a type of bladder leakage. It can occur during common activities such as:

• coughing

• sneezing

• running

• laughing

It is caused by a weakened pelvic floor muscle, which normally holds the bladder in place. Stress incontinence can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. When the muscle becomes weak, it can’t support the bladder and leads to urinary leakage. 

when should I see a healthcare professional?

There are a number of different causes for peeing when you cough, including infection, weak pelvic floor muscles, or an enlarged prostate. It is important to note that there are also some other medical conditions that could be causing this symptom, such as urinary tract infections, bladder infections, and even kidney stones.

It is important to remember that peeing when you cough does not necessarily mean that there is something seriously wrong; however, if you notice any changes in your bathroom habits or feel like your mixed incontinence symptoms are worsening, then consult your healthcare professional to get medical advice, a proper diagnosis, and treatment options. 

absorbent underwear and incontinence 

If you experience peeing when you cough, give our bladder leak underwear a try. Thinx for All Leaks absorbent underwear is designed to help with bladder leakage and bladder incontinence. Our reusable underwear is one of the best incontinence products because it features 3 layers of ultra-thin absorbent technology built into the gusset: an innermost layer of moisture-wicking cotton, a super absorbent inner lining, and an outermost layer that acts as a leak-resistant barrier, so you don’t have to worry about things like leaking after peeing. Plus, the fabric is highly breathable and comfortable, so you can wear them with more confidence. With leak-absorbent underwear, you don’t have to worry about potentially embarrassing accidents like peeing when you cough.

Thinx for All Leaks helps protect you from urinary leakage and keeps you feeling comfortable and confident throughout your day. 

At Thinx, we strive to provide our readers with the most up-to-date, objective, and research-based information. Our content is crafted by experienced contributors who ground their work in research and data. Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked within the text or listed at the bottom to lead readers to the original source.

sources:

Healthline. Peeing While Coughing. https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-incontinence/peeing-while-coughing

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney. Bladder Control Problems Women. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems-women/urinary-incontinence-women

Mayo Clinic. Stress Incontinence Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stress-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20355727

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney. Symptoms and Causes of Bladder Control Problems. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/symptoms-causes

NAFC. Why Do I Pee When I Cough? https://nafc.org/bhealth-blog/why-do-i-pee-when-i-cough/