Women’s Health

AAAACHOOOO! Oh, excuse me… I just sneezed—and peed a little. But that’s normal, right? Wrong. Peeing when you sneeze falls under the category of incontinence.

Incontinence is common, but it’s not normal. About 1 in 3 women over 45, and 1 in 2 women over 60, experience urinary incontinence. Yet many avoid the conversation with their doctor—whether from embarrassment, or because they’ve already been told that “a little leakage” is normal. The truth is, if you don’t address the root cause, incontinence can worsen over time.

Your pelvic floor muscles sit at the base of your abdomen and are responsible for supporting your core, controlling urine flow, and sexual function. Like any other muscle, they can become weak or tight. While Kegels are helpful for some, they aren’t always the solution—especially if your pelvic floor is tight, or if the problem is motor control (when your brain signals aren’t syncing with your muscles). That’s why it’s so important to talk to your OB/GYN about a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist, who can identify the true cause and recommend the right treatment.

Maybe you’ve been doing Kegels faithfully and still notice leakage. That’s because your pelvic floor is made up of both power and endurance fibers. Training only one won’t fix the problem—you need a balance of strong contractions with holds, quick contractions, and relaxation. Learning how to fully relax your pelvic floor is just as important, allowing for proper bladder emptying and overall function.

The good news: pelvic floor dysfunction can be corrected. Women’s Health PTs can help you regain control, confidence, and freedom—without relying on pads or carrying extra underwear “just in case.”

If you’re dealing with leakage or any other pelvic floor concerns, consider talking with your OB/GYN or contacting Geary Rehab & Fitness Center to see if Women’s Health Physical Therapy could help.

By Jessica Graham, DPT