Stress Incontinence is NOT Normal!

Multitasking for many women = laughing, coughing, sneezing, and peeing all at the same time! 

Time for some education about this type of  multitasking, which is otherwise known as stress incontinence. Stress Urinary Incontinence is defined as involuntary loss of urine during effort or physical exertion (cough, sneeze, jump, etc). This is the most common type of leakage about which women complain, especially those who exercise frequently. Stress incontinence is not normal and can be indicative of larger problems.

There is another type of incontinence known as urge incontinence. Urge Urinary Incontinence is defined as involuntary loss of urine associated with urgency (you just can’t get there in time). The prevalence of urinary incontinence is estimated to be around 16% for women younger than 30 years, and 29% for women aged 30 to 60 years, with stress incontinence being most common. Some women suffer from a combination of both types, and this is called “mixed incontinence”.

When I look at the large percent of women who report incontinence I wonder, "Where are they all???" As the only local women’s health physical therapist I should have a list of women waiting to see me at my clinic, wanting to trade in their Pose pads for some more attractive underwear. Incontinence can be alleviated, if not eliminated altogether, with the right exercises and breathing mechanics.

Therefore, I ask all of you women reading this:
If you can identify with either type of incontinence, why are you not addressing the issue? Have you always thought this was normal? 

I am excited to bring this issue out of the water closet. This NOT normal, and it NOT what you should expect as you age. I am here to help you train your pelvic floor. I mean, really, do you even lift?