Leaking with Coughing and Sneezing
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary loss of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, running, jumping, or lifting. While common, bladder leakage is not a normal part of life, though it can be difficult to treat without the right approach.
SUI often stems from multiple factors, including:
Weak urethral sphincter strength
Poor fascial integrity of the urethra, bladder, or bladder neck
Deep pelvic floor muscle weakness
Pelvic floor muscle tension
Poor pressure management
The pelvic floor does not work in isolation; it is part of a core system that includes the diaphragm, back muscles, and abdominal muscles. These must coordinate effectively to prevent leaking. Consequently, how you breathe, lift, and move directly impacts your pelvic floor function.
The good news is that pelvic floor therapy can be highly effective. Our goal is to eliminate the need for compensatory strategies, such as crossing your legs when you sneeze. At pelvic floor therapy, we assess your pressure system to identify the root cause of the issue and develop a personalized plan to restore function.