Understanding the Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence: Signs Women Shouldn’t Ignore

Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects millions of women, yet many suffer in silence, assuming that bladder leaks are a normal part of ageing, pregnancy, or menopause. The truth is, bladder leakage is not normal, and it can be treated. Recognising the early signs of urinary incontinence is the first step toward seeking effective treatment and regaining control over your bladder health.

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What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine due to weakened or overactive bladder muscles, nerve dysfunction, or pelvic floor weakness. It can range from occasional small leaks to frequent and uncontrollable urges to urinate.

Different Types of Urinary Incontinence & Their Symptoms

Understanding the type of incontinence you’re experiencing can help in finding the right treatment. Here are the most common forms:

1. Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

This is the most common type, often caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles that fail to properly support the bladder. Symptoms include:

  • Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising.
  • Accidental leaks when lifting heavy objects or standing up quickly.
  • Worsening symptoms after childbirth or menopause due to hormonal changes.

2. Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder – OAB)

Urge incontinence is caused by an overactive bladder muscle that contracts involuntarily, leading to a sudden and strong urge to urinate. Symptoms include:

  • Frequent, intense urges to urinate, even when the bladder isn’t full.
  • Leaking urine before reaching the toilet.
  • Needing to urinate frequently during the night (nocturia).
  • A feeling of losing control over your bladder.

3. Mixed Incontinence

Some women experience a combination of both stress incontinence and urge incontinence, leading to a mix of symptoms such as leaks with movement and a frequent, urgent need to urinate.

4. Overflow Incontinence

This occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to constant dribbling or frequent small leaks. Symptoms include:

  • Feeling like your bladder never fully empties.
  • Weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination.
  • Frequent nighttime urination.
  • Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

5. Functional Incontinence

Functional incontinence is not due to bladder dysfunction but rather physical or cognitive impairments that make getting to the toilet difficult. Common in older adults, symptoms include:

  • Mobility issues that delay reaching the toilet in time.
  • Cognitive conditions (e.g., dementia) that cause difficulty recognising the need to urinate.💡 If you’re experiencing bladder control issues, our pelvic floor physiotherapist, Laura Lok, can help! Don’t wait—take the first step toward better bladder health today. 🌐 Book Online HERE

    Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek help from a healthcare professional or pelvic floor physiotherapist:

  • Frequent bladder leaks that interfere with daily activities.
  • Waking up multiple times at night to urinate.
  • Avoiding exercise or social events due to fear of leaks.
  • A constant feeling of urgency, even with an empty bladder.
  • A sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region.
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) linked to incomplete bladder emptying.

Why You Should Seek Help

Many women feel embarrassed to talk about urinary incontinence, but you are not alone, and treatment options are available. Physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, bladder training, and in some cases, medical interventions can significantly improve symptoms. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to regain control.

Take Control of Your Bladder Health

Urinary incontinence is common, but it is not something you have to live with. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking the right treatment can make a life-changing difference.

💡 If you’re experiencing bladder control issues, our pelvic floor physiotherapist, Laura Lok, can help! Don’t wait—take the first step toward better bladder health today. 🌐 Book Online HERE

Unsure if Physiotherapy would be right for you, Laura is happy to have a chat on the phone to discuss your queries, simply Click HERE.

📅 Book a Consultation Now | 📞 9207 1594| 🌐 Book Online HERE