By a Registered Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Do you leak urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze, or lift something heavy? If so, you’re not alone. This is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and it affects 1 in 3 women at some point in their lives—especially after childbirth or menopause.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live with it, and surgery isn’t your only option. Evidence shows that pelvic floor physiotherapy is a safe and highly effective first-line treatment.
What Is Stress Urinary Incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence happens when the muscles and tissues that support your bladder and urethra become weak. This can happen due to:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Hormonal changes during menopause
- Aging
- Obesity
- Chronic coughing
- High-impact sports
When these muscles are weakened, they can’t hold back urine during sudden pressure (or “stress”) on the bladder — like sneezing or lifting groceries.
How Common Is It?
According to a high-quality randomized controlled trial by Dumoulin et al. (2018), up to 35% of women worldwide experience SUI, and many suffer in silence due to embarrassment.
Can It Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes! One of the most effective non-surgical treatments is pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) — guided by a trained physiotherapist.
A landmark 2014 Cochrane Review concluded that women who did PFMT were 8 times more likely to report being cured compared to those who did nothing (Dumoulin et al., 2014).
Another randomized trial by Bø et al. (2017) found that a 3-month physiotherapy program reduced leakage episodes by 70%.
What Does Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Involve?
Your physiotherapy treatment is private, gentle, and customized. It includes:
- Assessment of pelvic floor strength (externally or internally)
- Tailored exercises to improve muscle tone and coordination
- Education on bladder habits, posture, and breath control
- Biofeedback or electrical stimulation if needed
How Long Until You See Results?
With commitment to the home exercises and regular sessions, many people see improvements within 6–12 weeks.
You Are Not Alone, and Help Is Available
If you’re dealing with stress incontinence, talk to a pelvic floor physiotherapist. We are trained to support you with compassion, confidentiality, and evidence-based care.
Takeaway
Stress urinary incontinence is common, but it’s not something you have to accept as “normal.” Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a powerful, natural, and evidence-backed way to take control of your bladder again.
References (APA Format)
Bø, K., Berghmans, B., Mørkved, S., & Van Kampen, M. (2017). Evidence-based physical therapy for the pelvic floor: Bridging science and clinical practice (2nd ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Dumoulin, C., Cacciari, L. P., & Hay-Smith, E. J. C. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005654.pub4
