True or False: Peeing Yourself A Little Is Normal

Answer – False. It’s common to leak (happens all the time) but it isn’t normal. You CAN fix it!

After the birth of my third baby, I was dealing with daily urinary leaking. Not a lot, but enough that if I didn’t wear a panty liner I would be uncomfortable. On my 27th birthday, the Amazon order I placed arrived, with a 6 month supply of pads. “Wow, happy birthday to you!” my husband teasingly remarked. Funny yes, but this was definitely a wake-up call for me! Within the next month, I scheduled my first pelvic floor therapy appointment.

We’ve all heard that one of the effects of giving birth is that you’ll likely pee a little from time to time. And while it’s true that this problem is very common among women who have given birth, you don’t have to deal with it! Seeing a pelvic floor therapist can make a world of difference. This was definitely the case for me personally.

What is urinary incontinence and who does it affect? 

Leaking pee is also known as “loss of bladder control” or “urinary incontinence”. This means urine leaks out before you are sitting on the toilet and ready to pee. The amount of pee leaking varies from person to person. Some women lose only a few drops when they cough or laugh. Others experience an overwhelming urgency frequently. This can lead to a larger loss of pee which cannot be controlled. Leaking pee is also common during sexual activity.

 

According to research, the people who suffer from urinary incontinence include:

 

• 25% of young women

 

• 44-57% of middle-aged women and postmenopausal women

 

• 75% of older women in nursing homes

 

Women who are fit leak too! This even includes elite athletes. Jumping, high-impact landings, and running can result in leaking due to stress on the pelvic floor. This is especially true in sports such as gymnastics, basketball, and tennis. An older study even found that 40% of the athletes interviewed who leaked could trace it back to high school.

 

A more recent study of female athletes found that leaking was very prevalent. Especially in sports with a high incidence of jumping. A review of many studies found that trampolinists, gymnasts, hockey players, and ballet dancers were most likely to experience leaking. The study also emphasized the negative social and emotional effects of leaking.  This can include embarrassment, anxiety, and reduced participation in social activities.

 

What are the types of urinary incontinence?

The main two types of urinary incontinence are stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Another type of incontinence that is important to note is transient incontinence. This occurs for a short time due and resolves on its own. It could happen during an illness or pregnancy when the baby puts pressure on the bladder. Once the baby is delivered, the incontinence resolves.

Stress incontinence:

This is the most common type of incontinence in women. It occurs when the pressure exerted on the bladder is more than what the muscles are able to control. Thus resulting in loss of urine. Examples that cause leakage can include coughing, sneezing, exercising, laughing, or heavy lifting. All things that put pressure on the bladder or create increased abdominal pressure.

 

Urge incontinence: 

You may have heard this referred to as “overactive bladder.” Urinary leakage occurs following a sudden, strong urge to pee. It may be related to certain behavioral triggers. Things like putting the key in the door at home, running water, or going out in the cold. It is often accompanied by not fully emptying the bladder and may be associated with pelvic pain.

Mixed incontinence:

This is a combination of urge and stress incontinence symptoms

What are some of the ways we can treat urinary incontinence?

There are different behavioral and manual treatments for relieving symptoms of `leaking. You and your pelvic floor therapist will identify triggers for leaking. Your therapist may suggest the manual release of certain muscles. Another tool could include strengthening support muscles to put less stress on the bladder. Over all, your plan will be personalized to YOU and your UNIQUE needs. If you want to learn more about how we get information about your body’s needs, check out this blog on what to expect for your first visit.

Common but not Normal: you can get better!

Leaking pee in the months and years after giving birth has become accepted in society as the norm. And yes, it is very common for women to leak a little pee after birth. But this is NOT normal. You are leaking because there is an underlying dysfunction that can be treated.

I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to settle for absorbent underwear, pads or packing a set of clothes to change into after you go on a run! Taking back control of your bladder is possible and you deserve it. 

If you have questions or are wondering if pelvic floor occupational therapy could be right for you, give us a call! We’d love to take the time to chat with you about what your experience has been and what you’re looking for. Schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation.

Restoring your bladder and pelvic health and regaining strength and control can take time. We promise that we are here to support you on that journey!