While training to run the Marine Corps Marathons with my childhood girlfriend and my husband,
I did one of many long runs and I got back home feeling that I was on the cusp of a cold. After 3 days of steadily intensifying coughing, I was driving back home from the daily rounds of children drop-offs when I released an uncontrollable cough. I managed to stay on the road, but I felt an immediate warm stream of urine coming down my leg. This was quite the surprise as I thought that I had fully recovered and was closer to being back to my "normal" pre-pregnant self. This incident reminded me that steady and consistent maintenance is a must. On this day I was reminded that the journey continues.
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is when stress/pressure is placed on the bladder causing urine to leak. This often happens with physical movement and/or common activities, such as: coughing, laughing, sneezing, running, exercise, having intercourse, lifting heavy objects just to name a few.
The amount of urine leakage may range from a few drops of urine to a whole "stream" of urine. Any amount is a sign of concern because our pelvic floor muscles function to keep urine and bowel in their places until called upon. Stress Urinary Incontinence is treatable.
Who's most likely to suffer from SUI?
Mamas, we are on the top of the list and account for half the cases of SUI. Don't let this become an even greater burden. Take control of it before it controls your quality of life.
We, Little Antz Physical Therapy, pride ourselves in educating moms. We also provide the following services;
In an upcoming post, I'll share a few exercises to retrain the pelvic floor to handle forceful stress.
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