Answer:

Urinary leakage during coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercise may indicate stress urinary incontinence. This condition involves involuntary urine release when abdominal pressure suddenly increases, while the pelvic floor muscles and urethra are unable to retain urine as effectively as usual.

Many people believe urinary leakage only affects older women or those who have given birth. In reality, young women can also experience this condition. Risk factors include chronic cough, constipation, being overweight, high-intensity exercise, heavy lifting, or weakened pelvic floor muscles.

If the condition occurs only occasionally, involves a small amount of leakage, and is not accompanied by symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, urgency, blood in urine, fever, or lower abdominal pain, you may not need to be overly concerned. However, do not consider it normal if symptoms recur frequently or impact your daily activities.

You should see a doctor if urinary leakage occurs frequently, the amount of leakage increases, you need to use daily pads, or if it causes reluctance to exercise or socialize. If symptoms are accompanied by painful urination, urgency, frequent urination, pain, fever, or blood in urine, early examination is even more crucial to rule out a urinary tract infection or other bladder disorders.

A doctor will thoroughly inquire about your symptoms, urination habits, and medical history. They may perform a gynecological or pelvic examination, conduct a urine test, and order additional diagnostic tests if necessary. Accurately identifying the type of urinary leakage helps the doctor provide appropriate treatment.

Many cases of stress urinary incontinence can improve with lifestyle changes and proper pelvic floor exercises. Patients should also manage their weight, avoid chronic constipation, treat any chronic cough, and not excessively restrict water intake on their own. If symptoms worsen or do not respond to initial treatment, a doctor may consider more specialized interventions.

Dr. CKI Truong Bao Thang

Department of Urology - Andrology

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi