In my work with women’s pelvic floor health, many people first inquire with me because of their peeing habits.
Stress incontinence is that annoying, sneaky moment we leak a little when we sneeze, cough, laugh or run. An increased momentary demand on our body, called intra-abdominal pressure, sends contents out the bottom (we leak pee) instead of regulating that pressure through the top exit point (the exhale of a cough or sneeze out our mouths). Oops.
Urge incontinence happens differently, although these two types of symptoms can co-exist, and often do. For example, when we have awareness of little stress leaks, we might alwayssssss stop and use the restroom before leaving a restaurant, before leaving the house, around every turn at the park before we drive home. We end up creating a feedback loop that tells our bladder to empty when it’s not actually full – creating urgency and frequency. Then, this urgency and frequency we created first out of habit, lays down the habit in our brain, and over time, can lead to incomplete voiding (not getting all the pee out) and recurrent infections.
Watch the video below to create habits that’ll keep your bladder happy over the long term.
Pelvic Floor Health: Urge Incontinence Tips
It’s no fun to leak or have to run to the bathroom all the time. Give your bladder some lovin’ and rewire these daily habits to go less often, feel less urgency, and maintain integrity in the tissues of this vital organ.
Love these tips and want more?
Check out my online pelvic floor program, Embody Your True Center.
Because we can relax and enjoy life more if we don’t have to run to the toilet every hour,
Cheers!
Cheri
PS: And of course, if you have acute pain, blood in your urine, or new symptoms pop up, it’s always a good idea talk to your doctor (and ask about a referral to a pelvic health PT). I wish you and your bladder all the best.