Pee & Urine Issues - Pain, Bed-Wetting, Amount & Frequency / Question
Published: October 14, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
when i laugh some urine comes out i think i have bladder weekness but im 14 can get it my musscle are weak anyway but i thought old people get it. my sister got bladder issues she only 9 but it a mental promblem not a physicl promblom. so would pads like tena or will it go away
Signed: Urine Comes Out When I Laugh - Bladder Weakness?
Dear Urine Comes Out When I Laugh - Bladder Weakness?,
What you are describing is most likely a type of urinary incontinence, which is the inability to control the release of urine from your bladder. The problem varies in how severe it is from person to person, with some people having minor leaks to others frequently wetting their clothes. And it is not a condition simply reserved for “old people” – it is possible for younger people to have some form of incontinence, and can actually be a fairly common condition that many women deal with after giving birth.
There are different types of incontinence – the type you probably have is called stress incontinence. This occurs when the sphincter muscle at the bladder is weakened. So when pressure is exerted on the bladder (by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting something heavy), there is a loss of urine. This is one of the most common types of incontinence and often affects women.
TeenHealthFX is not clear if the incontinence is restricting your life in any way, but it does sound like it is causing you some embarrassment and emotional distress. That said, FX thinks it is important for you to meet with your primary care physician and/or urologist so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and receive any necessary treatments.
Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type of incontinence, the severity of the problem, and the underlying cause. Most people treated for urinary incontinence see a dramatic improvement in their symptoms. Treatment options can include behavioral techniques, medications, surgery, and the use of pads and catheters. In most cases your doctor will start with the least invasive treatments first before moving to other options.
If your doctor determines you have stress incontinence, most likely he/she will have you do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that help to control urination.
Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as “Kegels” these exercises strengthen your urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles that help control urination. Kegels are often recommended to those with stress incontinence. To do Kegels, imagine that you are trying to stop your urine flow. Squeeze the muscles you would use and hold for a count of three. Relax, count to three, then repeat. You can do these exercises anywhere (while doing homework or watching tv). Try to do 20 repetitions three times a day.
FX thinks that it is too soon to rely on pads as a long-term method of dealing with your incontinence, as most people do benefit from the treatments recommended by their doctors. However, if you need some help until you meet with the doctor and until treatment starts to take effect, you can certainly use pads that are designed to deal with urinary leakage for the time being. Leakage pads, like sanitary pads for your period, come in all sizes and absorbency levels – you might only need to wear a light panty liner to ease your discomfort. These pads are sold in grocery stores and drugstores – so they are easy to obtain.
So speak to a parent/guardian about your leaking, have an appointment scheduled with a medical health professional, and have your parent/guardian assist you in buying the right kinds of pads that will hold you over until you get your treatment instructions from the doctor.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
For more detailed information on urinary incontinence, including all the different types of incontinence and treatment options, please read our answer to Leaking Urine.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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