Bladder Incontinence
Urinary incontinence or bladder leakage is any unwanted leakage of urine. It happens when you lose bladder control, whether it's a small dribble or a larger leak. It's very common and it's not a normal part of ageing. Help is available, and for most people symptoms can be significantly improved.
Whether you are leaking when you cough or sneeze, rushing to make it to the bathroom in time, or experiencing frequent or uncomfortable urination, specialist physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference.
At The Pelvic Health Co., we provide individualised, evidence-informed assessment and treatment for bladder incontinence across all ages and life stages, for women, men and children.
What is Bladder Incontinence?
Bladder incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine. It is experienced by people of all ages and genders, though it becomes more common during pregnancy, after childbirth, and around menopause in women, and following prostate concerns in men.
Stress urinary incontinence
Leakage that occurs with physical activity such as coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting, running, jumping and many more.
Urge urinary incontinence
A sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to defer, sometimes resulting in leakage before reaching the bathroom. This can be related to bladder overactivity and nervous system responses.
mixed urinary incontinence
A combination of stress and urgency incontinence, which is also commonly seen in clinical practice.
overflow incontinence
Difficulty fully emptying the bladder, which can result in dribbling or constant low-level leakage. This type requires careful assessment to identify contributing factors.
coital incontinence
Involuntary loss of urine during sexual intercourse. It may occur at penetration, during intercourse, or at orgasm, and can be a source of significant distress and embarrassment.
PosT-Micturition Dribble
The involuntary loss of a small amount of urine shortly after finishing urination and leaving the toilet. It is more commonly experienced by men and is related to urine remaining in the urethra after voiding.
Common Symptoms We Can Help With
• Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise
• An overwhelming urge to urinate that is hard to delay
• Needing to urinate more than seven or eight times a day
• Waking at night to use the bathroom
• Leaking on the way to the toilet
• Dribbling after you have finished urinating
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
• Specific triggers such as running water, cold air, or arriving home
How Common is it?
Urinary incontinence affects over 4 million Australians aged 15 years and older. It can affect anyone, but it becomes more common with age. Women are affected roughly twice as often as men, especially after pregnancy and childbirth or after menopause. More than 1 in 4 men aged over 70 experience urinary incontinence.
Who Can Be Affected?
You may be more likely to experience incontinence if you:
- Are pregnant, have given birth (particularly vaginal birth), or are going through menopause
- Are older, as bladder and pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken with age
- Are overweight or obese
- Have a chronic cough (for example from asthma or smoking)
- Experience chronic constipation or heavy lifting regularly
- Have had pelvic or prostate surgery
- Have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson's, MS), or urinary tract infections
- Take certain medications (for example diuretics, sedatives)
• During and after pregnancy
• Around perimenopause and menopause
• Following prostate surgery or radiation
• People experiencing age-related changes in bladder control
• Athletes and active individuals experiencing leakage during exercise
• Children with daytime wetting or toileting difficulties
• Older adults experiencing changes in bladder control
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial consultation is 60 minutes. We begin with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, history and goals — taking the time to understand your experience and what matters most to you.
A physical assessment is then undertaken, guided by what is clinically relevant to your presentation and what you are comfortable with. Any examination is discussed with you beforehand and only ever performed with your full, informed consent.
Following assessment, we will work collaboratively with you to develop a clear, personalised management plan.
Do I Need a Referral?
No referral is required. You are welcome to self-refer directly.
If you have been referred by your GP or specialist, please bring any relevant documentation. If you are accessing Medicare under a Chronic Condition Management Plan, a GP referral is required prior to your appointment.
Specialist Bladder Incontinence Physiotherapy in Melbourne
The Pelvic Health Co. is led by Anita Bir, a Specialist Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists — the highest clinical qualification within the physiotherapy profession in Australia. Anita is one of only five practicing physiotherapists in Melbourne to hold this qualification in this field.
We offer appointments at three Melbourne locations — Dandenong, East Melbourne and Parkville — as well as telehealth for those unable to attend in person.