Men who experience incontinence when coughing may feel embarrassed, anxious, and unsure about the causes — but there’s no need to suffer through this condition alone. We will break down the causes of coughing incontinence, and discuss the different solutions that are available. So, if you’re looking for peace of mind and an improved quality of life, keep on reading!

It can be quite alarming to experience urination when coughing, but the truth is that it’s quite common. This condition called stress urinary incontinence (SUI), can be triggered by simple everyday activities, like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. We obviously can’t predict when these things will happen, so let’s dig deeper into the causes of SUI and how to treat it.

Put simply, SUI refers to the accidental leakage of urine when pressure is placed on the bladder. The reason it happens is that the muscles that support the bladder and urinary tract are weakened, making it harder for them to control urine flow. This can affect men who have prostate problems or have undergone prostate surgery. Other common risk factors for SUI include:

• Certain medications
• Spinal cord injuries
• Obesity
• Aging

Although SUI is a benign condition that is not usually a sign of a serious health issue, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for those who experience it. As such, the psychological effects of SUI can be as bad as (if not worse than) the physical impacts.

Coughing incontinence in men can have severe psychological impacts that often go untreated due to feelings of shame and embarrassment. The constant fear of leakage in public can cause men to limit their daily activities, avoid social situations and shy away from relationships. It’s not surprising that many men living with SUI can feel isolated and experience depression and anxiety. Additionally, psychological distress can exacerbate physical symptoms of SUI and further complicate treatment. Finding a solution to SUI is therefore essential to helping men regain their confidence and take back control of their lives.

Fortunately, there are several options to manage urine leakage when coughing, including physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and leakproof underwear.

These exercises work to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, rectum, and urethra, ultimately leading to improved bladder control. Many men experience issues with pelvic floor muscles as they age, but with consistent exercise, these muscles can become stronger and more resilient. Some popular options include kegels, squats, and bridges.

Kegels, in particular, involve contracting and holding the pelvic floor muscles for a few seconds at a time, and can be done discreetly throughout the day. Working with a physical therapist or urologist can also help men develop a personalised pelvic floor exercise plan tailored to their specific needs. With patience and consistency, pelvic floor exercises can be an effective way for men to improve their overall health and say goodbye to peeing when coughing.

Creating a bathroom schedule can help train your bladder to release urine at regular intervals (roughly every two to three hours). This simple practice will help reduce unexpected leaks between bathroom breaks. Read more about bladder retraining on our blog.

Just as obesity is a contributing factor to SUI, weight loss is a potential solution. Losing weight can help reduce occurrences of incontinence by taking pressure off the bladder. In addition to weight loss, limiting your consumption of diuretics like caffeine and alcohol will reduce the urge to urinate throughout the day.

Wearing reusable incontinence underwear can help manage anxiety caused by SUI. At Confitex, we have you covered with three levels of absorbency to protect against different levels of leakage. If you experience stress incontinence when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising, our Everyday Absorbency and Everyday Plus Absorbency trunks are right for you.

Our Short Trunks with Everyday Absorbency are a great option if you experience minor drips and dribbles when coughing. They offer front-only protection and can absorb up to 50 ml.

The Long Trunks with Everyday Plus Absorbency offer the same front-only protection, but with added absorbency capacity. They can hold up to 75 ml and offer moderate protection against light bladder leakage.

Not sure which product is right for you? Browse our full range of men’s incontinence underwear online and read our Absorbency Guide for more information.

If SUI continues to impact your day-to-day life and mental health, it’s important to talk to your doctor about more advanced treatments. A medical professional can help identify the underlying cause of the condition and provide treatment options such as male slings and artificial urinary sphincters.

A male sling for incontinence is a medical device that helps men regain control of their bladder function. The process involves placing a support sling around the urethra, which helps keep it closed and prevents leakage. Male slings offer a minimally invasive solution for men who suffer from urinary incontinence. The procedure can be performed in less than an hour, and recovery time is typically quick.

While it's not recommended for every case of incontinence, male slings can be an effective option for those who experience moderate to severe urinary leakage. As always, it's best to speak with a medical professional to determine if a male sling is the right course of treatment for you.

An artificial urinary sphincter is a device usually recommended for more severe incontinence. It consists of three components: a pump, a cuff, and a pressure-regulating balloon. The cuff is placed around the urethra, and when inflated, it compresses the urethra to prevent urine from leaking out. The device is controlled by a small pump that is implanted in the scrotum.

When the patient needs to urinate, they simply press the pump to release the cuff, allowing urine to flow out. The pressure-regulating balloon keeps the cuff inflated at the appropriate pressure to prevent leakage. Although it may sound simple, the Artificial Urinary Sphincter is a complex device that requires surgical implantation by a trained urologist.

Whether you experience mild or moderate stress urinary incontinence, there is a wide range of options that can help you stop peeing when coughing. Confitex’s leak proof underwear provides a reliable barrier against urinary leakage to help give you confidence and peace of mind in any situation. Don’t wait — browse our range of incontinence underwear for men and take back control of your life today!

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every man’s circumstances are different, so consult your doctor for advice.