Leaking when laughing or coughing

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Sally
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Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2011 12:23 pm
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by Sally on Tue Jan 10, 2012 5:55 pm

Leaking when laughing or coughing

Hi - i've just posted in the new to continence forum but realised i probably should have posted my question here. So here goes - Since having children i've progressively suffered with continence problems. When I laugh or cough I sometimes dribble which is not that pleasant. Clearly my problem is nowhere near as bad as some but it does seem to be getting slightly worse as the years roll on.

Any tips would be gratefully received - is it simply a question of regular pelvic floor exercises or should I see my doctor? Any help anyone can give would be much appreciated.

thank you.

martinabbi
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Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2012 10:40 am
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by martinabbi on Thu Jan 19, 2012 2:24 pm

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

It is totally normal to have some coughing after a hard laugh. The best explanation for why this happens is that the nerves that are involved in the laughing reflex are the same nerves that are involved in the coughing reflex. Therefore, triggering of one of these reflexes (laughing) can cause spill over into the other reflex (coughing).

Sally
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Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2011 12:23 pm
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by Sally on Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:44 am

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

Thanks for that martinabbi - but is it 'normal' to leak a bit of urine when I cough having laughed?

alison12
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Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2011 1:03 pm
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by alison12 on Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:00 pm

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

Hello Sally - from my experience having had children myself and talking to friends - I think leaking after a sudden cough, laugh etc is very normal. Pelvic floor exercises are definitely a good start if you haven't done any before - although a complete bore and hard to remember to do on a regular basis. I read once that a tip was to try and do them everytime you stop at a set of traffic lights! I assume that you have found the leaking has got worse as you have got older due to the muscles becoming slacker -as with all muscles as we get older. There are lots of things available on the market - from small weights you insert into yourself for a few minutes each day (rather like a tampon) to increase muscle control all the way through to different types of operation that I have read about. I understand that the operations can be a great success for a large number of people, although I would recommend that anyone tries alternative methods before going down the operation route - as all surgery carries complications. Hope that helps - and you are certainly not alone with your 'problem'.....
alison12
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Sally
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Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2011 12:23 pm
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by Sally on Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:36 pm

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

Hi alison12 - thanks for you reply to my post. I think you are right in that the problem has got worse as I've got older. I know I shoudl do the pelvic floor exercises but it is hard to remember- think doing them at traffic lights is a great idea. Will start from tomorrow!! :)

jackswwagar
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2012 2:13 pm
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by jackswwagar on Mon Mar 05, 2012 2:22 pm

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

This problem occurs in some lady after pregnancy. To remove this problem you should protect your self from getting cough or cold.
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AnnaB
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by AnnaB on Sun Mar 11, 2012 10:34 am

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

Hi, I too suffer stress incontience when I laugh,cough or sneeze. I have a prolapse as direct result of child birth. My gynae said 1 in 3 women will need surgery at some point but at 39 it is better to avoid now as it may need to be done again. So I am being refered to a nurse specialist for exercises and treatment advice. A friend does hers everytime she turns the kettle on. I think we all need to plan simple daily triggers to remind us that PF need doing and become a natural part of everyday.
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Sally
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by Sally on Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:40 pm

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

Hello AnnaB

Poor you! I guess if exercises work then it's best to do that rather than have surgery! Are you remembering to actually do them? I guess I should do the same - now shall I do them at traffic lights or when I make a cuppa? Well, you've got to laugh a little about these things otherwise you'd cry - perhaps I shouldn't have said laugh coz if I do I may have my leaky problem back!!!! LOL! :D

Una
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Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:20 pm
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by Una on Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:33 pm

Re: Leaking when laughing or coughing

Hi

you can also ask your GP to refer you to a specliast gynaecology physiotherapist to teach you how to do the pelvic floor exercises properly.

Una

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