Does Smoking Cause Incontinence? Understanding the Link to Bladder Health

Research has shown a strong relationship between smoking and incontinence for both current and former smokers. While most people associate smoking with lung health, the impact on the bladder is often overlooked. Smoking can lead to incontinence in the following three ways:

1. Chronic cough puts pressure on the bladder – smokers tend to develop a chronic cough that over time can weaken and damage the bladder muscles and cause urinary leakage. This is a primary cause of Stress Incontinence, where sudden physical pressure (like a cough or sneeze) forces urine out. Additionally, smoking damages small blood vessels in the body and causes tissue weakness.
   
2. Smoking is a bladder irritant – Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes act as direct irritants to the bladder lining. smoking can cause more frequent and urgent urination, which can cause symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) or Urge Incontinence.
   
3. Smoking can cause bladder cancer – we know that smoking can cause major health issues like lung cancer, but smoking is also the leading risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers. Bladder cancer can cause incontinence, or more often, the cancer treatment can result in incontinence.

How to Manage Smoking-Related Incontinence Leaks

Whether you are currently dealing with incontinence or not, quitting or reducing smoking can help improve your symptoms or reduce your risk of developing incontinence. Because smoking-related leaks are often sudden and forceful (due to coughing), you need protection that can handle rapid moisture wicking.

If you experience slight leakage when you cough, Tranquility Personal Care Pads offer a slim, discreet solution for managing light stress incontinence.

For those with heavier leakage or a frequent “smoker’s cough,” Tranquility Premium Overnight™ Underwear or tape-tab style briefs are designed with high-capacity cores that lock away fluid instantly, keeping your skin dry even during a coughing fit.

If you have any questions regarding your incontinence and the right products for you or a loved one, call the Tranquility Care Center at 1-866-865-6101 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. For tips on how to quit smoking, talk to a medical professional about your current habits and the best ways to overcome those habits.