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Urinary Incontinence - Types, Causes, and How To Treat It

Urinary incontinence is the accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. There are a few different types of incontinence, and amount leaked can range from a tiny amount right through to a complete loss of control. While it is a common concern (occurs as frequently as 1 in 3 people in Australia) it definitely is NOT NORMAL, and there are so many ways to help reduce your symptoms… depending on what is contributing to your incontinence! 


Let’s talk about a couple of the most common types of incontinence. 


Stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine that happens as a result of activities that increase pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or exercise such as jumping, running or weightlifting.


Common contributors of stress urinary incontinence are:

  • Reduced support from the structures helping to keep your bladder closed (e.g. urethral sphincter, pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue)

  • Increased pressure from above (e.g. through your core cannister with activities such as running, jumping, weightlifting etc)

  • Medical conditions such as chronic coughing or respiratory conditions


Urge incontinence

A sudden, overwhelming need to pass urine, which can lead to leaking if you don’t reach the toilet on time. Sometimes there can be a trigger, such as the sound of water, the key in the door, or arriving home. 


Common causes and contributors of urge incontinence can be:

  • Bladder compliance

  • Bladder irritants, such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, alcohol 

  • Constipation

  • Fluid intake 

  • Health conditions and medications 



Treatment of incontinence

Bladder health: 

  • ensuring that you are drinking enough water for your body and activity levels is so important - a good guide is to check your urine colour (pale straw colour is ideal. Clear is too much water, and dark yellow indicates too little water!). 

  • Passing urine 4-6 times per day, once at night 

  • Emptying completely without leaking or having to return back to pass urine again 

  • Gradual building of the urge to urinate 


Managing other potential stressors on the bladder and pelvic floor:

  • Manage constipation - this places extra pressure on the bladder 

  • Medical conditions involving chronic coughing or sneezing

  • Other contributors that may be placing extra pressure onto your pelvic floor, such as your breathing, diaphragm or abdominal wall


Pelvic floor training should be tailored to you, your body and the reason why your incontinence is happening. For some, improving coordination and speed of the pelvic floor is important, and for others, working on endurance is what is needed. Booking in with a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist to help you with your pelvic floor exercises is best so that your exercises are tailored to you and your goals/symptoms. 


Bladder training can help manage symptoms, and works to teach your bladder to wait longer between visits to the toilet. You’ll also work through strategies to delay any urges to go to the toilet. 


If this sounds like you, book in today to start your journey to reducing your bladder symptoms!




Helpful resources and references:


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