Leaking
(Urinary and Bowel Incontinence)
Incontinence is the involuntary leaking of urine or stool. Although it is common, particularly during pregnancy, after childbirth and around the menopause, it is not a normal part of being a woman, and you do not have to simply live with it.
There are several different types of incontinence, each with different causes and treatment approaches. The most common include stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence (overactive bladder) and faecal incontinence.
Types of Incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence:
Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type of leaking. It happens when pressure inside your abdomen increases and the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues are unable to fully support the bladder.
You may notice leaking when you:
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Cough or sneeze
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Laugh
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Run or jump
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Lift heavy objects
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Exercise
Stress urinary incontinence is particularly common during pregnancy, after childbirth and around the menopause, but it is not something you should simply accept as normal.
Urge Urinary Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)
Urge urinary incontinence is different. Rather than leaking with movement or exercise, you experience a sudden, overwhelming urge to pass urine that can be difficult to delay. Sometimes leakage occurs before you reach the toilet.
You may also notice:
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Frequently needing to use the toilet
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Waking at night to pass urine
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Feeling that you need to rush to the toilet
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Finding it difficult to "hold on"
These symptoms are often associated with an overactive bladder. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors and provide strategies to improve bladder control.
Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence refers to difficulty controlling bowel movements or leaking stool (poo). Some women may also experience difficulty controlling wind.
Although these symptoms can feel embarrassing, they are more common than many people realise and can occur following pregnancy and childbirth, pelvic floor dysfunction or other bowel conditions.
Pelvic health physiotherapy can play an important role in assessing pelvic floor muscle function, bowel habits and lifestyle factors to help improve bowel and poo control and confidence.
You don't have to know which type of incontinence you have - we can work it out, and the best plan for management together!
How Can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Help ?
The good news is that pelvic health physiotherapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for many types of urinary incontinence, and many women notice a significant improvement in their symptoms with the right assessment and rehabilitation programme.
During your assessment, we will take the time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Depending on your individual presentation, your treatment may include:
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A detailed pelvic health assessment
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Assessment of your pelvic floor muscle function (if appropriate and with your consent)
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Bladder and bowel education
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Individualised pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation
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Advice on bladder habits and lifestyle factors
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Breathing, core and pressure management strategies
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Exercise and return-to-sport guidance
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A personalised home exercise programme
Every woman is different, and treatment is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals!
If you're unsure which type of incontinence you're experiencing, don't worry. A thorough pelvic health assessment can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
These symptoms can be assessed and treated as part of my Women's Health Physiotherapy service.
FAQs:
Is leaking urine after having a baby normal?
Although leaking is common after pregnancy and childbirth, it is not something you should simply accept. Pelvic health physiotherapy is recommended as a first-line treatment and can help many women regain bladder control.
Why do I leak when I cough, sneeze, run or exercise?
This is often a sign of stress urinary incontinence, where the pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues are unable to provide enough support during activities that increase pressure through the abdomen. A pelvic health assessment can identify contributing factors and guide the most appropriate treatment and return to exercise.
I keep needing to rush to the toilet – could this be an overactive bladder?
A sudden urge to pass urine, needing to rush to the toilet or going frequently may be signs of an overactive bladder. A pelvic health physiotherapist can help assess your symptoms and provide personalised advice and rehabilitation to improve bladder control.
Can I exercise if I'm leaking?
In most cases, yes. Rather than stopping exercise altogether, a pelvic health assessment can help identify why you're leaking and support you in returning to exercise safely and confidently.
Can pelvic health physiotherapy help bowel leakage (pooing)?
Yes. Pelvic health physiotherapy can assess the pelvic floor muscles, bowel habits and other contributing factors to help improve bowel control, confidence and quality of life. Having bowel incontinence (leaking and poo accidents) can be very disruptive to your life, and embarrassing - I have supported many women through this!
Why do I always need the toilet?
Needing to pass urine frequently or feeling a sudden urge to rush to the toilet may be a sign of an overactive bladder. A pelvic health assessment can help identify contributing factors, such as bladder habits, fluid intake and pelvic floor muscle function, before creating a personalised treatment plan.
Can the menopause contribute to bladder leakage?
Yes. Hormonal changes during the menopause can affect the bladder, pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues, making symptoms such as bladder leakage, urgency and urinary frequency more common. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help improve bladder control and support you in managing these symptoms.