As stressed as you may get in daily life, nothing compares to the embarrassment and stress created by stress incontinence. If you lose control of your bladder when you are moving you probably have stress incontinence. You may also find yourself having embarrassing accidents when you cough or sneeze. Laughter may also cause you to lose control of your bladder at the most awkward moments. Although you may be embarrassed by your condition, you are not alone. Many people have the same problem too.

Although stress incontinence is more likely to happen if you are female, it also affects males as well. It is also important to be aware that your own emotional stress level has nothing to do with it. Some people think that bad days at work or family disputes are possible causes, but the two things are completely unrelated.

One of the actual causes of stress incontinence is weakened muscles. If you are a woman and you have ever had a baby then you may find yourself more prone. Sometimes, as you give birth, muscles and nerves are damaged and that can have an effect on how your bladder works. Those signs might not show up for a long time, or you might notice it shortly after you give birth.

On the other hand, one of the major causes of stress incontinence in men is having the prostate gland removed. So, if you are a man and have had your prostate gland taken out, you might find it harder to control your urination.

Other causes of stress incontinence, which may affect you, include urinary tract infections and drinking too much alcohol. If you cough excessively because you have an illness or because you smoke, you may also be at greater risk. There are many medications that can aggravate your condition as well.

Regardless of what the cause is, it is always best if you consult a doctor. If your stress incontinence is having a bad effect on your home, school, work or social life, it is even more important for you to look for medical help. Do not allow embarrassment, fear or loneliness to stop you. You are not alone. The doctor can easily test you for incontinence and begin treating the problem, so you can have the happier and more productive life that you want.