Leaking when you laugh, run, or even just turn the key in the door? You’re not alone. Incontinence affects 1 in 3 women in Australia. And no, it’s not just a “mum thing,” or something you have to put up with as you age.
There are a few different types of incontinence, and each one tells us something different about what’s going on in your body. Whether you’re dealing with occasional leaks or more frequent accidents, there are ways to make it better.
Let’s break down four of the most common types of incontinence, and share some simple, practical tips you can try right now to manage any symptoms.
1. Stress Incontinence
This is the most common type we see at TWB. Stress incontinence is a leak that happens when there’s increased physical pressure on your bladder — think sneezing, laughing, lifting, or running. It’s often related to pregnancy, birth, a weak pelvic floor, or sometimes prolapse.
Try this: Practice “The Knack” a simple pelvic floor squeeze just to use just before and during a pressure-causing movement (like a sneeze or cough). Leaking during exercise? A vaginal pessary for incontinence might help — learn more about pessary’s here.
2. Urge Incontinence
That sudden, intense, gotta-go-right-now feeling? That’s urgency — and can lead to urge incontinence. It happens when your bladder contracts suddenly and you leak. It’s less about bladder strength, and more of a miscommunication between bladder and brain.
Try this: Cut down on bladder irritants like coffee, fizzy drinks, and citrus. And avoid “just in case” trips to the bathroom — this habit can train your bladder to misbehave. Bladder training and gentle pelvic floor relaxation can help.
3. Mixed Incontinence
When you’re dealing with both stress and urge incontinence, it’s called “mixed.” That means you may leak with both physical activity and urgency. This one needs a bit more detective work to figure out your triggers, so it’s best to talk to a women’s health physio.
Try this: Track your symptoms in a bladder diary for a week. Jot down what you drank, when you peed, and when you leaked. This info is gold for your physio! From there we can spot patterns and create a personalised treatment plan for you.
4. Overflow Incontinence
Less common, but still important to know about. This type happens when your bladder can’t fully empty, so it overflows later. You might notice a constant dribble or a weak stream. It can be linked to nerve issues, prolapse, or certain medications.
Try this: If you’re noticing changes in your ability to empty your bladder, or you’re experiencing leakage with no obvious cause, reach out to your GP or women’s health physio.
Talking about incontinence can feel awkward — but it’s totally treatable, and it’s worth talking about. Our women’s health physios are here to help you figure out what’s going on and how to manage it. From pelvic floor assessments to pessary fittings and tailored treatment plans, we’re here to help you take control.
