Pelvic Health

Do you leak when you laugh? Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine. There are a few types of urinary incontinence, and it is important to understand which you may be experiencing and when is the right time to seek medical care.  

• Stress Incontinence  
  • Leakage of urine during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing or exercising  
  • Caused by weakness in the pelvic floor muscles  
  • Common in women, especially after childbirth or menopause  
• Urge Incontinence  
  • Caused by overactive bladder muscles  
  • Sudden and intense urge to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage  
  • Can be triggered by certain foods, drinks or medications  
• Overflow Incontinence  
  • Frequent or constant dribbling of urine  
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder  
  • Caused by blockage or weak bladder muscles  
• When to seek medical care  
  • If you experience pain or discomfort while urinating  
  • If you notice blood in your urine  
  • If urinary incontinence is affecting your quality of life

There are many reasons why you may be experiencing pelvic pain or discomfort. The important thing is that you know our team of specialists will work with you to understand your symptoms, deliver a proper diagnosis and help manage or treat your pain and discomfort. Some common symptoms include:  

• Chronic pelvic pain  
• Pain with periods, intercourse or urination  
• Abnormal vaginal discharge  
• Lower abdominal pain and/or swelling

This is when pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus or rectum descend from their normal position and bulge into the vaginal canal. This can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Common causes of prolapse include:  

• Pregnancy and Childbirth  
  • Increased pressure on the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the supporting tissues and lead to prolapse.  
• Age and Hormonal Changes  
  • As women age, especially during menopause, the levels of estrogen in their bodies decrease, which can result in a loss of elasticity and strength in the pelvic tissues.  
• Chronic Constipation and Straining  
  • Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements can put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and weaken the supporting structures.