Is It Normal To Pee When You Sneeze?
By Dr. Brandy Rose Lipscomb
To be perfectly frank, I was horrified by the lack of bladder control I experienced after having my son. I remember thinking, "Why didn't anyone tell me about this?" It took a lot of trials and embarrassing errors to figure out how to hold my bladder when I sneezed, jogged, or God forbid, jumped on a trampoline!
I have a lot to say on this subject and will be dropping solid gold nuggets of information in this love letter to you, dear reader. So if this is a subject of interest, please consider printing this one to read again later.
The Conventional Approach To Incontinence
Let's start by looking at the conventional approach to incontinence and overactive bladder. This may show up as light bladder leaks or bladder leaks when coughing for some. If you go to your (MD) doctor for this issue, 99% of the time you will walk away with a prescription for Tolterodine or Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL). Or perhaps a newer version of this type of drug: Solifenacin.
These are urinary antispasmodics in a class called anticholinergic drugs. They can stop the bladder from spasming but they are associated with some pretty ugly risk factors. Increased risk of dementia and delirium. Increased risk of falls/fractures. Higher blood pressure. And then the typical side effects of dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and sleepiness.
Since 2006, the same advice has been published in medical journals: Nonpharmacologic therapy is recommended for all patients with overactive bladder to stop or slow bladder leaks. And then if nonpharmacologic therapies fail, the patient may start a trial of the drugs mentioned above.
Does This Treatment Plan Sound Like You?
Are you in this boat? Did your doctor prescribe one of these drugs for incontinence or overactive bladder without first attempting a non-drug therapy? Most doctors have no clue what a nonpharmacologic approach would look like!
I LOVE to use a combination of dynamic neuromodulation treatments with the First Tx device and diet/herb/nutrient/physical therapy strategies to treat overactive bladder. My favorite herb for improving bladder capacity has been shown to improve the amount of urine the bladder could comfortably hold by up to 60%. That herb is Angelica archangelica from Iceland.
This is NOT the same as Angelica sinensis or Dong quai from China.
And depending on various factors, we might recommend another formula to pair with Angelica archangelica. For instance, males might benefit more from pumpkin seed extract and potent phytosterols. If you struggle with anxiety, Kava Kava 2-3 times a day has an affinity for the bladder as an antispasmodic and might be a better choice.
Some people HAVE TO refrain from alcohol and caffeine in order to maintain control of the bladder.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
If you have this condition and you've never seen a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, stop what you are doing and ask your doctor for a referral to a Pelvic Floor PT in your neighborhood right now. This is typically covered by insurance and should be one of your first stops. And I can share countless stories and studies of using dynamic neuromodulation to improve bladder function. I've witnessed clients go 2-3 weeks without an episode of incontinence after one specific pinpoint treatment!
So, if you struggle with pain AND incontinence and you are looking for a non-invasive, nonpharmacologic, super safe, and convenient way of improving the strength and control of your bladder, ....look no further. ;)
Your Friend In Health,
Dr. Brandy Rose Lipscomb
P.S Book your appointment to explore pelvic and bladder health today!