research shows that one in three women who have given birth, and up to one in ten women who haven't given birth have some level of bladder incontinence.
urinary incontinence is common, but not normal. mild symptoms gradually worsen with time, so it's worth seeking help. there are always ways that urine leakage can be improved, and in some cases fully resolved.
if you experience any of these symptoms, pelvic physiotherapy can help:
- a sudden change from nothing, to a desperate need to pass urine
- a frequent need to pass urine
- feeling like there could still be more urine in the bladder (not fully emptying) at the end of the flow
- when it takes a while for the urine flow to start after sitting on the toilet
- burning sensation or pain while passing urine
- bladder discomfort while the bladder is filling which improves after voiding
- leaking urine with coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping and/or when you exert yourself
- bladder symptoms like urine incontinence associated with medical or neurological conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- passing urine often through the night
- wetting the bed on waking, whether it be due to movement when getting out of bed or because the urge is too strong to control
depending on your symptoms, treatment might include:
- pelvic floor muscle training, which will be different based on the diagnosis. this might include pelvic floor muscle strength training or downtraining
- advice around fibre, diet and fluid modification
- education and practice on 'bracing' your pelvic floor muscles during exercise
- modification of toilet habits
- retraining the bladder to reduce bladder urgency and relax the pelvic floor
- vaginal pessary to help with stress urinary incontinence
- education on evidence based options to manage bladder symptoms, including medication and surgery