Imagine a situation where a mere coughing fit or a deep laugh in public can produce a wet spot in the crotch of one’s clothing. As our bodies age and time and stress takes its toll, we often experience a common physical complaint known as bladder weakness. Often, this condition manifests itself in an increasing inability to hold urine for any length of time. It is possible that the weakness is pronounced enough that spillage or leakage is a routine issue. In any event, very frequent urges to void urine results from this problem and it can be quite disconcerting for the sufferer. In many cases, the condition is the result of older men experiencing the effects of enlarged prostates and for females it can be related to a decreasing estrogen level and the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles resulting from multiple births.

The condition itself is not life threatening, but it can cause serious disruptions in daily schedules if you need to constantly make sure a bathroom is accessible in the event the urge to void urine arrives spasmodically and without prior warning. In addition, a weak bladder can produce stress because of the social discomfort associated with worrying about leaking urine in clothing at public gatherings. Therefore, while the exact physical issues surround this discomforting condition may not be cause for immediate alarm they can build secondary issues that are ultimately quite debilitating for the sufferer.

Here are some ways to determine if this condition exists:

Do you find unexplained spilling or leaking of urine brought on by sneezing, belly laughing or simple exercise? If so, this could be the result of muscles on the pelvic floor becoming weak as a result of several pregnancies. It can also indicate an enlarged prostate for men. In any event, the stress resulting for the odor and wet stain can be a serious additional issue.

If you are experience unexplained urges to urinate both day and night there may an issue with your bladders strength. Assuming there is no serious medical issue causing the urge it can still disrupt personal and professional agendas since there is a constantly running in search of a bathroom.

Often, this condition does not allow men to completely void their bladders, which result in excess urine leaching out after the bathroom visit is over. Out of nowhere a wet spot appears on the front of the pants because the trapped urine is suddenly released in droplets. The same scenario can affect females, and the wet spot can be seen on the backs of skirts and dresses after rising from a chair or sofa. In both cases, unease and outright avoidance of social and professional contact may result of this inadvertent wetting of clothing.

Bladder weakness is a condition that affects millions of people in every walk of life.

As always, anyone with this condition who experiences persistent symptoms should immediately consult a medical doctor. Some precautions that may alleviate social embarrassment include always having an extra pair of undergarments handy, keeping a personal record of when the symptoms strike and trying to put off relieving yourself a little longer each time and seeking out information about the condition in an effort to reduce the possible shamefulness associated with the condition.