UNDERSTANDING & MANAGING STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE (SUI)

Do you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, run, or jump on a trampoline?
If so, you may be experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the most common type of urinary incontinence.

Stress incontinence is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase pressure inside the abdomen, such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. This pressure makes it harder for the bladder outlet (the urethra) to stay closed, leading to urine leakage.

It is also one of the most common forms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Everyday activities can lead to leakage, including:

• Sneezing or coughing

• Running or jumping

• Weightlifting or high-impact sports

Other factors that can contribute to SUI include:

• Chronic cough (linked to asthma, bronchitis, or smoking)

• Diabetes and obesity

• Pregnancy and childbirth (in women)

• Prostate surgery or chronic respiratory conditions (in men)

Women are more likely to develop stress incontinence due to pregnancy and childbirth, which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and the supportive structures around the bladder. This makes it harder for the bladder to stay supported, resulting in leakage.

Although less common, men can also experience stress urinary incontinence, often due to chronic lung conditions or after prostate surgery.

Your pelvic floor muscles act like a muscular sling, stretching from the pubic bone at the front of your pelvis to the coccyx and sacrum at the back.

In both men and women, the pelvic floor plays a crucial role in:

• Supporting pelvic organs (like the bladder and bowel)

• Controlling continence through a “squeeze and lift” action

If these muscles are weak or not working properly, leakage can occur.

The good news is that stress incontinence can be treated effectively. The first-line treatment recommended worldwide is pelvic floor muscle training, guided by a Continence Physiotherapist.

At Hartwell Physiotherapy, our physiotherapist Brooke is qualified in pelvic health and continence care. She can assess your pelvic floor function, teach you how to perform effective pelvic floor contractions, and design a tailored rehabilitation program to reduce or eliminate leakage.

If you’re struggling with stress incontinence, you don’t need to put up with it. To make an appointment with Brooke, call our reception on 9889 3903 or book online.