Why Do I Leak When I Laugh or Sneeze?

Ever had a little leak when you’ve laughed too hard, coughed, or sneezed suddenly? It can feel embarrassing, but here’s the thing — you’re definitely not alone, and it’s not something you just have to put up with.

This type of leaking is called stress incontinence, and it’s one of the most common things we see in women’s health physio. Let’s talk about what causes it — and most importantly, what you can do to take back control.

What Is Stress Incontinence?

Stress incontinence happens when there’s extra pressure on your bladder — like when you sneeze, laugh, jump, run, or lift something heavy. If the muscles that support your bladder and urethra (that’s the tube that carries wee out) aren’t doing their job properly, a little bit of urine can leak out.

For many women, this starts after pregnancy or childbirth, but it can also happen during menopause or with ageing. Basically, anything that affects the pelvic floor muscles can lead to this.

So, What’s the Pelvic Floor Got to Do With It?

Think of your pelvic floor like a hammock. It holds up your bladder, bowel, and uterus. When it’s strong and working well, it keeps everything in place and helps you stay dry — even when you laugh your head off.

But if that hammock gets stretched, weakened, or stops firing properly, leaks can happen. You might notice them during exercise, when you lift your toddler, or even just standing up too fast.

Can Physio Help?

Yes — and that’s the good news!

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage and treat stress incontinence. Here’s how we help:

1. One-on-One Support

You’ll have a private session where we take time to listen, ask questions, and get a clear picture of what’s going on.

2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Check

We may use real-time ultrasound to see how your pelvic floor is moving — without anything invasive. This helps us figure out if your muscles are weak, tight, or not switching on when they should.

3. Personalised Exercise Plan

We’ll guide you through simple but specific exercises that are right for your body. It’s not just about squeezing — it’s about doing it at the right time, in the right way.

4. Lifestyle Tips

Sometimes it’s small changes that make a big difference — like how you breathe, lift, or go to the toilet. We’ll share easy tips you can use every day.

You Deserve to Feel Confident Again

We get it — leaking can make you feel embarrassed, frustrated, or like you’re the only one. But the truth is, so many women deal with this, and the even better truth? You can get better.

You don’t have to give up running, laughing, or jumping on the trampoline with your kids. You just need the right support to get your pelvic floor back on track.

Ready to Get Started?

If this sounds like you, book a women’s health physio session with us. We’re here to help — in a warm, private space where you’ll feel seen and supported.