Stress urinary incontinence (adjunctive care)
Also known as: stress incontinence, leaking when coughing, bladder leakage, weak pelvic floor
Stress incontinence is urine leaking with coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercise, usually from a weakened pelvic floor after childbirth or with age. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the proven first-line treatment. Chinese medicine frames it as Kidney and Spleen Qi deficiency failing to hold, or sinking of central Qi.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •See a pelvic floor physiotherapist — supervised exercises are the most effective treatment.
- •Lose weight if overweight; it reduces pressure on the pelvic floor.
- •Avoid constipation and straining; keep fluids and fibre up.
- •Cut bladder irritants: caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks.
- •Don't stop drinking to avoid leaks — concentrated urine irritates the bladder.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •New or worsening incontinence needs a GP assessment first to find the type and cause.[,]
- •Empty the bladder before lower abdominal needling (CV3, CV4).[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track leaks per week and pad use monthly; pelvic floor strength reviewed with the physiotherapist.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- NHS · 2024
- Continence Foundation of Australia · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.