What’s it all about?
Stress urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine through the urethra without feeling the need to urinate.
Leakage occurs with abdominal effort, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or carrying a load. In these circumstances, the muscles of the abdominal girdle contract very strongly, increasing pressure on the perineum. If the perineum isn’t strong enough or poorly coordinated… then there’s a leak!
The muscles of the perineum are responsible for continence. They must contract autonomously and reflexively to respond to abdominal pressure. During effort, if they are weak or poorly coordinated, there is an imbalance between abdominal pressure and perineal resistance, resulting in leakage.
Risk factors
Bladder weakness is a common problem and increases with age. The frequency is certainly greatly underestimated, as few people consult us for this reason, considering it to be a normal occurrence…
But it doesn’t have to be that way… solutions do exist!
First of all, diagnosis by a professional specialized in pelvic health is a must. It allows you to “put words to what ails you”, and then to define an adapted course of strategies, exercises, routines… to solve your problems and get on with your life!
To regain an effective perineum in all circumstances, you need awareness, muscle-strengthening exercises and good coordination with the abdominal muscles.
