According to estimates by the Canadian Continence Foundation, approximately 3.5 million people throughout the country live with some form of incontinence. Many of those sufferers have what is known as stress incontinence. While the underlying causes may be different from other forms, many of the strategies used to control the condition remain the same. Here are some things you should know about stress incontinence and how you can manage your condition.

What is Stress Incontinence?

This form of incontinence has to do with the involuntary release of urine during some type of physical activity. The release is due to the stress that the activity places on the bladder. Emotional stress, including the range of feelings that result from an anxiety disorder, can add to that physical stress and trigger more episodes.

Stress incontinence is different from what is known as urge incontinence. The latter happens when some sort of physical condition triggers a series of bladder muscle contractors. People with this form of incontinence tend to feel the urge constantly. With incontinence connected with physical or emotional stress, the release may or may not be accompanied by the sense of needing relief.

What Sort of Physical Activity Leads to Release?

Coughing and sneezing are two of the more common triggers for incontinence related to stress. Exercise may also lead to come amount of leakage. Lifting heavy objects is another possible trigger. Even actions like getting out of a car or standing up may be enough.

Remember that there are no guarantees that the same activities will trigger leakage every time you perform them. It’s possible to cough today and release urine involuntarily. Tomorrow, you could cough again and have nothing happen.

How It Affects Your Life

The sense of embarrassment associated with any form of incontinence can seriously affect your life. You may begin to avoid social outings because you never know what action will lead to leakage. Perhaps you hesitate to take on certain tasks as work because they involve movements that could lead to an accident. Some people with this condition also withdraw from their romantic partners, since physical activity could lead to leakage.

The thing you must remember is that it is possible to regain control of your life. With the right treatment and the use of incontinence products, you can still get out and do whatever you want.

What You Can Do

Along with seeking help from your doctor, purchase cheap incontinence products designed to contain the liquid and the odor. You will find that disposable briefs for adults are a wonderful solution. Many of the briefs on the market today are designed to look like basic undergarments. No one will know you are wearing incontinence garments unless you tell them.

Don’t let any form of incontinence prevent you from enjoying life. Buy enemas, undergarments, and any other resource your doctor recommends. Keep them on hand at all times. Once you feel in control once again, it will be easier to do whatever you like instead of sitting home alone.