Stress incontinence is a condition that leads to the release of urine when sudden pressure is applied to the abdomen. Many people believe things about this form of incontinence that are simply not true. Before assuming that something you’ve heard is the truth, it pays to separate fact from fiction. Here are a few of the more common misconceptions that you can set aside.

Old Age is the Reason for Stress Incontinence

There are those who think this type of incontinence can only happen to people when they reach a certain age. While it’s true that aging can be a factor, it’s far from being the only one. You could be a young adult and end up with this condition due to and event that has an impact on the muscles and tissues that provide support for the bladder.

For example, a male who undergoes prostate surgery will find that the pelvic wall muscles are affected for a period of time. Since those muscles are offering less support, certain types of movements or activities will increase the potential for urine to be expelled. Fortunately, disposable briefs for adults will make it possible to manage the condition during the recovery period.

Women who give birth will also find that the muscles in the pelvic wall are weakened for a period of time. As with the male, choosing to buy diapers that keep moisture away from the body and prevent leakage will make it easier to manage the condition for however long it lasts.

In both scenarios, a doctor is likely to recommend exercises that will help restore the strength of the muscles and tissue supporting the bladder. This means the stress incontinence will eventually be a thing of the past.

Leakage Occurs Every Time Pressure is Applied

All sorts of pressure is exerted on the abdomen. Laughing, coughing, lifting heavy objects, and even engaging in intimate activities result in abdominal pressure. While all of these activities can result in the involuntary release of urine, it’s not a sure thing that a release will take place every time.

An individual could easily engage in all these types of physical activity and only have one involuntary release throughout the day. On the other hand, it could only happen when certain events like getting out of a car or standing up after sitting for a long period of time take place. Every person is a little different. The thing to remember is that it makes sense to wear protective undergarments and be prepared. Doing so means you will have time to get to a private place, change into a dry pair of protective underwear, and no one will know anything occurred.

The Condition is Permanent

That is not true in every case. Some people will live with the condition for the rest of their lives if the damage to the muscles and tissue around the bladder is permanent. Those who are experiencing stress incontinence due to taking medications that stimulate the bladder or who have been through surgery or physical trauma resulting in temporary damage are highly likely to recover completely in a matter of months. Once the healing is complete, the incontinence will be gone too.

Remember that there is more to stress incontinence than many people realize. If you are experiencing this health issue, see your doctor immediately. It won’t take long to determine if something like the incorrect use of cheap enemas, body trauma, or medication that weakens muscles is the cause, or if there is something else that needs to be addressed. Once the origin is identified, it will be easier to settle on a course of treatment and have an idea of how long you will need to live with the condition.