Stress incontinence is a condition in which urine leaks from the urethra involuntarily. It happens when you perform an action that causes the abdomen to press against the bladder. Common triggers include lifting, sneezing, coughing and laughing. The U.S. National Library of Medicine indicates that this condition is more common in women. Medications, surgery and medical devices are used to treat stress incontinence; you may also find home remedies to be helpful.
Urinate More Often
It seems counterintuitive, but voiding more often can help you experience less stress incontinence. Try a few weeks of voiding every two hours to determine if you have fewer episodes of incontinence. If this works, continue doing it and remember to void prior to social occasions or outings where a restroom will not be available.
Drink the Right Amount
Drink too much fluids, and your likelihood of stress incontinence increases. Drink too little, and your concentrated urine may irritate your bladder, making it more likely you will void involuntarily. Unless your physician recommends otherwise, aim for eight 8-oz. glasses of beverage each day--mostly water.
Lose Added Weight
Obesity worsens stress incontinence. If you are obese or overweight, strive to get to a normal weight by losing 1 to 2 lbs. each week. Increase your fresh fruit and vegetable intake, and exercise three or more hours each week. Avoid jumping and performing any other exercises that cause your stress incontinence. Some women are unable to jog or run without losing urine.
Change Your Diet
Some cases of stress incontinence are worsened by consuming foods or beverages that irritate the bladder. Eliminate alcohol, spicy foods, citrus foods and caffeinated drinks for two weeks to see if this helps. Constipation also complicates this type of incontinence. Eat high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains to avoid getting constipated. A bowl of oatmeal in the morning, a green salad for lunch and a baked apple for dinner should solve most mild constipation problems.
Perform Kegel Exercises
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that both men and women with stress incontinence try Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. To learn how to work these muscles, practice while you urinate. Attempt to control the flow of urine by tightening the pelvic muscles. Do not move your bottom or legs while doing this. Once you are able to control your urinary flow, you can practice the exercises at any time. Attempt to squeeze the muscles tight for 10 seconds, then relax them for the same period. Do 10 repetitions of this twice a day, eventually working yourself up to 20 repetitions, three times a day.
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