You are determined to go to the gym to get back into shape and lose those few extra pounds that have been plaguing you since you recently gave birth. You sign up for an aerobics class and all goes well until, mid-bounce, you feel your bladder give way, resulting in the leakage of a small amount of urine. Mortified, you wonder why this is happening to you. After all, you are young and healthy and have never experienced this before.

Sound familiar? If this has happened to you, don’t despair. Stress incontinence occurs as the result of some stressor being placed on the bladder, such as exercise. It may also occur with activities such as coughing, sneezing or even laughing. It is usually the result of  pelvic floor muscles that may become damaged as a result of pregnancy, childbirth or hormonal changes. Excess weight can also contribute to the problem.

The cure for the problem is exercise targeted specifically towards strengthening these muscles, known as Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises, when performed properly and regularly, can help tone your bladder and the muscles that support it. Losing excess weight can also go a long way to heping to cure the problem as well. Using an incontinence pad designed specifically for this problem will add to your level of confidence and help you feel secure while exercising.