Let’s Talk About Stress Urinary Incontinence: Why it happens and what can you do?
- Maddison Cutmore (Specialist Pelvic Physiotherapist)
We hate talking about it, but It happens to millions of women. That little leak when you sneeze, laugh, run, or jump? That’s ‘Stress Urinary Incontinence’ (SUI) and while it’s incredibly common, it’s not something you just have to live with.
If you’ve ever crossed your legs before a sneeze or avoided jumping exercises at the gym, this one’s for you. Let’s break down what’s really going on and what can be done about it.
What is Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)?
In simple terms, SUI happens when the pressures onto your bladder exceed the body’s ability to keep the urethra shut. This can be due to muscle weakness, changes in connective tissue, or hormonal shifts - yes, your cycle does matter.
In more complex terms, SUI happens for two main reasons:
The muscles and tissues in and around the urethra aren’t strong enough to keep it closed (often due to nerve issues, reduced muscle bulk, lower blood supply)
The muscles and fascia around the urethra aren’t providing enough support to keep it upright or sealed properly (this is called urethral hypermobility). It’s like trying to close a door that’s fallen off its hinges.
Your deep pelvic floor muscles (called your ‘levator ani’) contract to compress the urethra and hold everything in place. The pubocervical fascia works to keep the bladder neck lifted. If either of these are slacking, the urethra can’t do its job, especially under pressure.
How does a women’s health physiotherapist assess SUI?
A proper assessment isn’t just about pelvic floor squeezes - it’s about your whole story. You’ll be asked things like:
When do leaks happen - with what activity and at what stage in your cycle?
How much are you leaking?
Did it start suddenly, or has it crept up over time?
What’s your birth history?
Is anything else happening with your bladder - urgency, frequency, pressure?
How about your bowels, periods, or sex life?
What’s your hormonal status?
Your answers help piece together the “why” behind your symptoms, which then helps us to build you a targeted treatment plan.
We will work on this together to give you the freedom through every sneeze. We've got you.
Looking to manage SUI symptoms?
Let us help! At Ponti Health, alongside our team of women’s health GPs, we have a team of expert women’s health physiotherapists who can help you manage the symptoms of SUI through pelvic physiotherapy effectively. Book your first appointment with Ponti Health today!