Incontinence, Urgency and Frequency

Leakage of urine is common, effecting up to 50% of adult women. While it is common, it is not normal. Daytime urine loss usually falls into 2 types: stress incontinence (e.g. with a cough, sneeze or exercise), or urge incontinence (you need to go suddenly and can’t get to the toilet in time). Incontinence may also happen during the night, which is called enuresis.

Physiotherapy can help with incontinence. This usually includes through assessment of the cause of incontinence and treatment including different methods of pelvic floor strengthening, better load management, bladder retraining strategies and other strategies. In some cases of stress incontinence a pessary may also be recommended.

Urinary urgency is the sudden, strong urge to rush to the toilet to empty your bladder. Frequency is the need to go to the toilet more often than you feel is normal. A pelvic floor physio can thoroughly assess your urgency and frequency symptoms and provide comprehensive treatment to help.

Bowel incontinence is common, however not normal. This may range from skid marks or smearing on your underwear to larger amounts.

There can be different causes of incontinence including, pelvic floor dysfunction, previous pelvic floor muscle injury (e.g. from childbirth), poor poo consistency and other causes.

Seeing a pelvic floor physio may help with your symptoms. This typically involves through assessment of your symptoms and assessment of your pelvic floor strength.