Stress Urinary Incontinence - Leaking with exercise or sneezing?
Stress Urinary Incontinence, or SUI, is the accidental leakage of urine during activities that increase pressure in your abdomen. This can happen when you sneeze, run, cough, lift or jump. It is incredibly common, but that does not mean you have to live with it.
At Peak Flo Physio, we are here to help you get to the root cause of your symptoms and feel confident again with evidence-based pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Why Does SUI Happen?
There are several reasons why someone may experience stress incontinence.
Pelvic floor muscle weakness or poor coordination can limit your ability to support the bladder and urethra under pressure. If your pelvic floor cannot respond quickly or strongly enough, leakage can occur during activities like sneezing or laughing.
Pregnancy and childbirth can lead to hormonal changes, stretching and sometimes trauma to the pelvic floor. These changes can weaken the muscles and connective tissue that support the bladder and urethra.
Menopause and the natural decline in estrogen levels can lead to thinning and weakening of the tissues around the bladder and urethra. This often increases the likelihood of leakage during movement or effort.
Chronic coughing caused by asthma, bronchitis or smoking can create repetitive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. Over time, this pressure can cause them to weaken.
As we age, muscles throughout the body can lose strength and tone. This includes the pelvic floor, which can reduce its ability to maintain continence under strain.
Carrying excess weight increases abdominal pressure and load on the pelvic organs. This can make it harder for the pelvic floor to manage additional forces created by exercise or daily movement.
How We Can Help at Peak Flo Physio
Our pelvic floor physiotherapists are experienced in assessing the cause of your symptoms and providing a personalised plan based on your anatomy, history and goals. We do not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Your care is always guided by your body and your needs.
The first line treatment for SUI is pelvic floor muscle training. A structured program over at least twelve weeks has been shown to significantly reduce or completely resolve symptoms of stress incontinence.
Your treatment plan may include:
Practising pelvic floor muscle activation and relaxation with correct technique
Improving timing and coordination so your muscles respond when pressure increases
Incorporating functional movement patterns that mirror your everyday activities
Adding whole-body strengthening for supporting areas such as the glutes, core, adductors and hips
Using tools like vaginal weights to build endurance and tone
Learning techniques like "the knack", which involves activating the pelvic floor before you sneeze or cough
What If You Need More Support?
Sometimes, even with a good strengthening program, you may benefit from extra physical support. This is where pessaries come in.
A pessary is a soft silicone device that is inserted into the vagina to support the bladder and reduce pressure on the urethra. It is a great option for those who are managing prolapse or want help controlling leakage during high-impact movement or exercise.
At Peak Flo Physio, we offer full pessary assessments and fittings. We will guide you through finding the right size and shape, checking for comfort and support, and teaching you how to use and care for it if you want to manage it independently.
You do not need to wait for things to get worse or accept leaking as normal. Whether you are newly postnatal, entering menopause or just noticing changes during activity, we are here to help you take control and feel strong again.
To book a pelvic floor assessment or learn more about pessary fittings and pelvic health, get in touch with the team here!
