Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary leakage of urine during effort, exertion, sneezing, coughing or laughing.
You may be experiencing small leaks when you exercise or when lifting medium-to-heavy loads. This is usually due to increased abdominal pressure and weak or injured pelvic floor muscles.
What causes SUI?
The number one cause of SUI is pregnancy and childbirth. Other causes include:
- being overweight
- a chronic cough
- pelvic organ prolapse
- constipation
- repeated heavy lifting with incorrect muscle activation around the abdomen
How can Physio help?
Your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist will be able to address the symptoms of your SUI through a variety of assessments and treatments:
- pelvic floor muscle assessment and treatment
- deep abdominal strengthening
- breath work
- manual therapy
- lifestyle changes
If you have SUI, you may feel embarrassed, and some people start to isolate themselves. The condition may be severe enough to stop you exercising and socialising.
With treatment though, you’ll be able to reduce and even stop the leaks – going a long way to improving your overall wellbeing. If you’d like help with SUI you can book an appointment with one of our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists.