Coital incontinence, also commonly called coital urinary incontinence, is a disorder of the pelvic floor muscles. Around 20-35% of women experience this embarrassing dysfunction even though it is likely that this number is much higher in reality. Due to the highly embarrassing nature of the subject many cases are most likely not reported. Coital incontinence (CI) is the urine leakage that occurs during sexual activities. The leakage can occur either during penetration or during orgasm and is spontaneous. Leakage during sex points to another form of this disorder, which is often called stress urinary incontinence. An overactive bladder is often present and caused by involuntary muscle spasms of the bladder wall.

When does urine leakage occur?

Urine leakage often occurs during exercise, laughing, coughing and sneezing. Having an already weak bladder explains why 80% of woman who reportedly have an overactive bladder experience coital incontinence. Woman after menopause are at greater risk to experience this disorder due to weaker pelvic floor muscles. Minimally invasive surgery can improve this condition and regular Kegel exercises are used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes the use of medication shows a dramatic improvement. Many women rather try to deal with the problem themselves before they report and discuss it with their doctors. They start by using several products available for this condition.

Incontinence pads –what are they and how are they used?

Incontinence pads come in a wide variety of shapes for a variety of conditions. The absorbency strength varies as well. Most women have used similar products for their menstrual cycles. Types of incontinence pads are disposable shaped pads, standard pads, super pads, total protection pads or stick-on pads with an adhesive to prevent the pad from moving. The purpose of incontinence pads is to prevent urine from soiling clothes and furniture. Incontinence pads keep the urine away from a person’s skin, keeping the skin dry and preventing skin irritations.

Incontinence underwear is the most comfortable solution.

Incontinence products have come a long way in recent years. Underwear is either disposable or washable. Both kinds have different absorbency strengths like the incontinence pads mentioned above. Incontinence underwear is less noticeable under clothing than the pads and much more comfortable than a pad that can shift and move. The washable variety is made out of cotton and is even available with a lacy trim. This underwear still gives women the protection they need without feeling like they are wearing an unattractive undergarment.

The first step when a woman experiences coital incontinence should be to talk to her gynecologist or a urologist. The incontinence could be caused by an underlying problem like undiagnosed diabetes, a urinary tract infection or another issue. As part of the work up the doctor may ask you to take your temperature with a thermometer for an extended period of time. Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes in order to determine the proper treatment.