Stress Urinary Incontinence - Not always as simple as we may think

Stress Urinary Incontinence - as most of us know as "bladder leakage."

In short, stress urinary incontinence will occur if the intravescial pressure at our bladder is more than the urethral closure pressure.

This means that if the pressure on the inside of our bladder (which is also influenced by intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing, jumping or carrying a bubba), than what our urethra can close and control... we will experience bladder leakage.

There are many factors which experienced Pelvic Floor Physio's will consider when assessing Stress Urinary Incontinence. We have to consider variables such as; estrogen supply of the tissue/muscles, urethral sphincter, bladder support (i.e prolapse), biomechanics, pelvic floor muscle tone/strength/endurance and overall coordination under load.

If you are receiving a few "pelvic floor exercises" and your bladder leakage is not improving, we recommend asking further WHY is your bladder leakage occurring. Stress Urinary Incontinence is not as simple as having "strong pelvic floor muscles" and appropriate management often involves a variety of recommendations and rarely, is it a simple "fix." We see in clinic patients have to sometimes trial and consider multiple variables and put in the time/energy to work with our treating clinician in supporting your pelvic health.