Bladder Control

Count on the Bladder Control Experts in Stamford Health’s Women’s Specialty Center to Customize a Care Plan that Answers Your Questions and Meets Your Needs.

We offer specialized physical therapy designed to strengthen the muscles that support your bladder. We’ll educate you on bladder habits to improve overall function and health, all with the goal of reducing or eliminating stress incontinence. We aim to provide you with the worry-free ability to live the active life you deserve.

What's Urinary Stress Incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence is when you leak urine when there’s sudden pressure on your bladder. You may notice leaking when you:

• Cough
• Exercise
• Laugh
• Sneeze

Symptoms of Urinary Stress Incontinence

Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty releasing urine
• Inability to empty your bladder
• Pain while urinating
• Leaking urine
• Urinating often or feeling the urge to urinate often

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs—your bladder, bowel, and uterus—that lie on this muscle layer. The urethra, vagina, and anus all pass through these muscles.

Anything that weakens the pelvic floor can cause leaks. Multiple pregnancies, vaginal deliveries (particularly if there were any pelvic tears), aging and menopause can all weaken the pelvic floor.

What Causes Urinary Stress Incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence happens when your pelvic floor–the muscles that support your bladder and other pelvic organs–is weak. You may have weak muscles due to:

• Excess weight
• Injury
• Medication
• Menopause and aging
• Pregnancy and childbirth

Your Appointment

During your appointment at the Women's Specialty Center, you can expect to:

• Review your medical history and discuss your concerns
• Receive a pelvic floor muscle assessment
• Receive an examination of your spine, hips legs and core

Treatment Options

Work with a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation to determine your personalized care plan. Your treatment plan may include:

• Behavior changes – Improves your health and bladder control through daily actions and habits
• Education – Teaches you about your condition and how to improve overall bladder function and health
• Functional training – Increases the amount of time you wait before urinating
• Manual therapy – Uses hands-on techniques to relax muscles
• Pelvic floor exercises – Strengthens or stretches muscles that help control urination