Demystifying Urinary Incontinence: What Every Woman Should Know by Kathryn Melvin Women's Health APA Physiotherapist
If you’ve ever felt a sudden leak while laughing, sneezing, exercising—or even just walking to the bathroom—you’re not alone. Up to 45% of women experience urinary incontinence (UI) at some point in their lives (1). Whether it’s a few drops during a workout or a sudden urge that’s hard to control, Urinary Incontinence can impact confidence, relationships, and quality of life. But here’s the truth: incontinence is common, treatable, and not something youhave to “just live with.”
Urinary incontinence is treatable, and pelvic health physiotherapy is here to help. This blog breaks down the basics of UI, why it happens, and what you can do to start feeling more confident and in control.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary Incontinence is defined by the International Continence Society as any involuntary loss of urine (1). It simply means leaking urine when you didn’t mean to. There are different types:
• Stress incontinence: Leaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh, run, or lift things
• Urge incontinence: You suddenly need to go and can’t hold on
• Mixed: A combination of both
Why Does It Happen?
Incontinence happens for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
• Pregnancy and birth
• Hormonal changes (like after menopause)
• Weakened pelvic floor muscles
• Constipation
• Being overweight
• Nerve-related conditions
Even lifestyle habits - like not drinking enough water or going “just in case” - can contribute to bladder issues.
You’re Not Alone
Studies show that Urinary Incontinence affects anywhere from 25–45% of women (2). But many feel embarrassed and avoid seeking help, especially after menopause (3). It can affect relationships, sexual activity and intimacy, sleep, and mental health. That’s why it’s so important to talk about it openly.
What Can Help
There’s good news: Pelvic health physiotherapists are trained to assess your pelvic floor, bladder habits, and daily routines. From there, we create a personalised plan, often with exercises, education, and practical strategies.
Where To Start
Here’s what you can do today:
• Keep a bladder diary: track when and how leaks happen
• Stay hydrated (yes, really!)
• Avoid constipation
• Get an assessment with a pelvic health physio
• Learn how to do pelvic floor exercises properly—not just generic “Kegels”
Attending a women’s / pelvic health physio can help to individualise the exercises you need, which can optimise your results.
Treatment Options:
What the Evidence and Clinical Guidelines Say:
A 2025 review explored the lived experiences of post-menopausal women with UI:
• Many women feel shame and embarrassment, delaying treatment
• Urinary Icontinence affects intimacy, social life, and mental health
• Education and open conversations are critical to improving care (4)
Clinical Guidelines You Should Know
1. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recommends a systematic approach: history-taking, bladder diaries, physical exams, and ruling out reversible causes (5)
2. The European Association of Urology (EAU) and European Association of Urology Nurses (EAUN) support conservative management first, including Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, lifestyle changes, and containment strategies (6)
3. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care emphasises patient-centred care and early intervention (7) Simple treatments can make a real difference. Research from 2025 shows that Pelvic Floor
Muscle training and electrical stimulation (like with a small device used at home) can help improve bladder control(4).
What You Can Do
If you or someone you know is experiencing UI:
• Talk to a pelvic health physio for a tailored assessment
• Start a bladder diary to track patterns
• Explore Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Electrical Stimulation options• Don’t let embarrassment delay care - you’re not alone, and help is available
Let’s Make the Conversation Normal
Talking about bladder leaks shouldn’t be awkward—it should be empowering. With the right information and care, you can reduce symptoms and reclaim confidence.
References
1. Haylen, B.T., et al., 2010. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/ International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 29(1), pp.4–20.
2. Liu, X., et al., 2025. Home-based versus outpatient electrostimulation for urinary incontinence in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Women’s Health, 25, p.55.
3. McKie, C., 2025. Experiences of urinary incontinence in women who are post-menopausal: A systematic review. International Journal of Urological Nursing, 19(1), pp.43–51.
4. Ibid. (McKie, 2025)
5. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), 2022. Urinary incontinence. [online] Available at:
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/preventive-activities-in-general-practice/miscellaneous/urinary-incontinence [Accessed 29 July 2025].
6. European Association of Urology Nurses (EAUN), 2024. Clinical Practice Guidelines. [online] Available at:
https://www.consa.org.au/evidence-for-practice/links-to-clinical-guidelines [Accessed 29 July 2025].
7. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2023. Urinary incontinence: Best practice and patient-centred strategies. [online] Available at: https://www.gfmer.ch/Guidelines/Urogynecology_urinary_andfecal__incontinence/Urinary_incontinence.htm [Accessed 29 July 2025