Urinary incontinence or bladder leakage affects 1 in 3 adult women and more than 1 in 10 young women, so it's pretty common. It can be as little as a drop or as much as a flood. It can happen for a lot of different reasons. Things like pregnancy and birth are well-known causes, but it can also happen if you've had a cough for a long time (like with asthma), if you strain on the loo, if you're overweight, or if you're into a lot of regular high intensity exercise.
Mostly it happens because your pelvic floor muscles aren't doing their job - and if that's the case, like any muscles, they just need to get a good work out! Research and experienced Health Pros – especially specifically trained physios, have found that when your pelvic floor muscles are too weak (so they can’t tense up), or too tight/stiff (so they can’t relax) you might experience urinary incontinence and other pelvic health problems.
If you’re needing help and wanting to speak with someone directly, why not take the plunge and make a call to the National Continence Helpline. Our supportive and experienced Health Professionals, who are Nurse Continence Specialists, can help advise or direct you onto further help near to where you live if you want and need it!
Click the links to find out about the different types of problems you can experience down below