What Is the Most Common Pelvic Floor Disorder?

Pelvic floor disorders can affect anyone, but one condition tends to steal the spotlight: urinary incontinence—or, in everyday terms, bladder leakage. If you’ve ever laughed a little too hard, sneezed like a hurricane, or raced to the bathroom only to fall just short of victory, you’re in good company. Millions of people experience some form of bladder leakage. Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal—or something you have to awkwardly joke about and silently endure.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence happens when the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor aren’t quite up to the job of supporting your bladder. Here are a few usual suspects:

    •    Pregnancy and childbirth – The miracle of life… and the potential start of peeing a little when you laugh.

    •    Aging and hormonal changes – As tissues lose elasticity and hormones shift, your bladder may start playing by its own rules.

    •    Chronic straining – Whether it’s lifting heavy boxes, battling constipation, or epic coughing fits, your pelvic floor might be throwing in the towel.

    •    Surgery or trauma – Surgeries like prostate removal or hysterectomy can shake up the pelvic neighborhood and affect function.

    •    Neurological conditions – Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or stroke can interfere with the nerve signals your bladder relies on to behave.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Not all bladder leaks are created equal—yours might have a very specific personality:

    •    Stress incontinence – Leaks that pop up when you sneeze, laugh, or attempt a jumping jack. Thanks, gravity.

    •    Urge incontinence – That moment when your bladder yells “GO!”—and you’re still halfway across the room.

    •    Mixed incontinence – A combo of stress and urge incontinence. Double trouble.

    •    Overflow incontinence – Like a cup that keeps running over, your bladder doesn’t fully empty and likes to keep things… trickling.

Can Urinary Incontinence Be Treated?

Absolutely! You don’t have to cross your legs every time you laugh or locate the nearest bathroom at every event. There are solid, evidence-based ways to reclaim control:

    •    Pelvic floor training – Sometimes your pelvic floor just needs a little pep talk and some strength training. In most cases, your pelvic floor actually needs help with relaxing. 

    •    Bladder retraining – Like teaching a puppy where to go, you can help your bladder learn better habits.

    •    Lifestyle changes – Small shifts in hydration, diet, or even your breathing patterns can do wonders.

    •    Manual therapy and movement strategies – Hands-on approaches and guided movement can help restore coordination and confidence in how your pelvic floor works.

At Next Level Therapy, we mix science, support, and a healthy dose of humor to make pelvic health approachable—not awkward. We’ll help you understand what’s going on, and more importantly, what you can do about it.

Because feeling in control of your body isn’t just a luxury—it’s your right.

Ready to laugh, sneeze, and live without worry?

Let’s chat - lisa@nextleveltherapy.net