Coital Incontinence: What Most People Don’t Know

Coital urinary incontinence refers to the condition where urine accidentally leaks during sex. As much as 10 to 24% of women suffer from it but the actual numbers may be higher as not all cases are reported due to embarrassment.

This condition can happen at any age. However, there are factors that increase one’s risks. This includes:

• Pelvic floor damage
• Pelvic floor weakness
• Bladder infection
• Multiple sclerosis
• Diabetes

The Exact Causes of Coital Incontinence

The exact causes of coital incontinence aren’t clearly defined. However, a lot of women who experience this also has episodes of urine leakage even when performing non-sexual activities, like coughing, exercising, sneezing, and laughing.

Stress urinary incontinence is primarily caused by having weak pelvic floor muscles that are unable to contract quickly. It can also happen when there are scar tissues in the abdomen or the pelvis, putting high pressure on your bladder. With penetration, the pressure increases and urine leaks.

Another possible cause of coital incontinence is urethral dysfunction. In this condition, the urethral sphincter becomes unable to close properly to prevent the unintentional flow of urine.

Last on the list is pelvic organ prolapse. When the pelvic organs drop down, they become compressed into the vaginal walls. As this happens, you might feel a pressure inside your pelvis as if the organs are actually falling out.

Other possible causes of this condition include:

• Psychosocial stress
• Consuming foods and drinks that irritate the bladder
• A certain sexual position
• Being overweight
• Anxiety

Types of Coital Incontinence and How to Deal With Them

In general, there are two main types of this condition.

The first one is incontinence that happens with penetration. This occurs around 2/3 of the time and experts believe that it’s related to the weakening of the tissues that support the neck of the bladder or an issue with the urethrovesical junction.

The other type refers to the incontinence that happens during orgasm. Experts suggest that this type is mainly linked to the detrusor over-activity related to bladder spasm.

Coital incontinence is often a cause of sexual dysfunction because of the fear and embarrassment it triggers. However, this doesn’t mean that the condition has to limit you from engaging and even enjoying intimacy.

There are a few things you can do reduce coital incontinence.

Limit your fluid intake

Before engaging in a sexual activity, make sure you don’t drink as much fluid as you normally would. This is will make it less likely for your bladder to get filled up during the process.

Empty your bladder

Releasing your urine and emptying your bladder is a good way to prevent leakage as your bladder. Do it before intercourse.

Stay away from bladder irritants

As you’re limiting your fluid intake, you may want to avoid bladder irritants, too. This includes alcohol, coffee, chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, highly acidic foods, and juices. They can irritate your bladder and trigger spasms, leading to leakage during sex.

Relax

This might sound like a cliche but limiting your anxiety can actually help ease coital incontinence. Take the time to really evaluate yourself and be more aware of the factors that increase your risk.

Be open

Coital incontinence isn’t entirely bad or harmful to your health. Howevever, because it can be quite embarrassing, maintaining an open and honest communication with your partner can help. Work together in finding ou how you can have a better and more satisfying sexual activity.

Maintaining open and honest communication with your partner may also include talking about the best and most comfortable sexual positions for you.

Maintain a healthy weight

Believe it or not, your weight can actually affect your symptoms. So, if you are overweight, considering losing a few pounds. As a guide, losing about 7 to 10% of your body weight can dramatically reduce the pressure in your abdomen, minimizing the symptoms you are experiencing.

In achieving your weight goals, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. One is to avoid eating unhealthy foods as much as possible. Cut out the sugar and start moving. You may also want to cook your own meals to make sure that the ingredients are as healthy as possible.

Be prepared

Sometimes, natural solutions and remedies may not work right away. With that, you need to be prepared by making the situation more manageable. For example, you can use hygiene or incontinence products whenever needed. You can also try having a towel underneath you. If possible, have a bathroom near you.

Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles

When you exercise your pelvic floor muscles, it becomes less likely for you to experience leakage. One way you can do that is by performing Kegels exercises which are exercises that primarily works the muscles in the pelvic area.

For Kegels to be effective, you need to do them before, during, and after sex. Consistency is important since you can’t really expect these exercises to work like magic overnight.

When performing Kegels, make sure to pay close attention to your breathing. You should be able to inhale while staying relaxed and exhale as if you are blowing out a couple of birthday candles.

You also need to check your buttocks and avoid pulling your core muscles too tightly. Your abdominal muscles should gently tighten but you shouldn’t compress them too much.

See your doctor

If none of those things work for you, your next step is to see your doctor. There are a couple of things he can recommend for you and your condition, such as physical therapy that targets the pelvic floor and doing biofeedback.

Seeing your doctor can also help you get a better idea of what’s going on inside your body. Since there are a number of things that can potentially increase your risk of having coital incontinence, getting checked and undergoing specific tests can help detect the condition earlier.