Jana Pittman was an elite athlete in hurdles and then in bobsledding and when she was running hard and jumping she experienced leakage of urine. We call this stress urinary incontinence. Like many women, she found this symptom to be embarrassing, she found ways to cover it up, she did not talk to anyone about it and did not know that help was out there. In 2021 when appearing on the television show “SAS” she bravely spoke out about her problem. Jana’s experience has highlighted some facts that we think everyone should know.
Bladder leakage with exercise is common (but not normal)
In fact, recent research found that 46% of women aged 18- 65 had ceased a form of exercise due to pelvic floor symptoms, most commonly urinary incontinence. Perhaps surprisingly, exercise cessation was commonly reported amongst younger women (18-25 years – 35%) and women who had not had children (31%), (Dakic et al 2021).
Bladder leakage can have a big impact
Incontinence isn’t just a physical barrier; in an athlete it can affect their mental state and hinder performance. In both elite and recreational athletes, the fear of embarrassment or judgment can create psychological barriers and reduce participation especially in group settings. Women may feel isolated or ashamed, believing they are alone in their struggle.
Exercise and sport are important
Remaining active throughout life is important for mental and physical health. For this reason, we should all address any barrier to exercise including incontinence.
Seek help – it works
While women may find it difficult to talk about their pelvic floor symptoms, our team of women’s health physiotherapists at Total Physiotherapy love nothing more than to help these women. Our team are highly trained, experienced, caring and non-judgmental as they work with women find a solution for their leakage and return to the activities they enjoy. Pelvic floor exercises often form part of the solution, and it is important that women learn to do these correctly with the assistance of a pelvic floor physiotherapist. In fact, 75% of women who have leakage with exercise (or coughing, sneezing or laughing) will be cured or significantly improved with an individualised programme of exercises (Dumoulin et al 2018).
In addition to our pelvic floor physiotherapists, our Exercise Physiologist Laura Starc is passionate about assisting women to return to running or other sports whether they are hindered by their pelvic floor or other injuries.
Talk about it – PLEASE!
I have been treating women with different forms of incontinence for a very long time and sadly it is just as common now as it was 20 years ago to hear “No-one talks about it” or “I didn’t know there was something I could do”. One study found that around 30% of women would have sought help if they knew that treatment was available (Thompson et al 2017). So, be brave and start the conversation with friends and family – you’ll be surprised how many people you know have symptoms that could be helped.
If you experience pelvic floor symptoms with exercise or at other times, take the first step and make an appointment to see us. Phone 9907 0321 or book online.
By Louise Henderson, APA Titled Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist