Introduction
Urinary incontinence, often described as "leaking when you least expect it," is a common issue that affects millions of people, regardless of age or gender. From minor leaks with coughing or sneezing to large accidents without warning, urinary incontinence can be both frustrating and disruptive. Many people are told this is a “normal” result of aging and childbirth. While it is common, it is certainly not considered normal, at least not at Bonneville Pelvic! This is because we understand that pelvic floor PT is a non-invasive and clinically proven treatment of urinary incontinence.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of urinary incontinence, the role of the pelvic floor in bladder control, how pelvic floor physical therapy works, and why Bonneville Pelvic Health in Ogden is the best place to get the treatment and support you need.

What is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. At first thought this may seem like nothing more than a minor inconvenience, but if you’ve experienced leakage, you know that it is so much more than that. Over time, the physical and emotional toll of urinary incontinence can wear on a person and even lead to social withdrawal and depression if left untreated. Incontinence can happen for a variety of reasons, and understanding the type you’re experiencing is the first step toward finding the right treatment.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence comes in various forms, each with distinct causes and symptoms:
Stress Incontinence:
This is the most common type, particularly in women. It occurs when activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising put pressure on your bladder, causing urine to leak. It’s often seen in women who have experienced childbirth or menopause.
Urge Incontinence:
Sometimes called or associated with overactive bladder, this type involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. You might feel the need to urinate frequently, even if your bladder isn’t full. This type can strike unexpectedly, making it difficult to plan for bathroom breaks.
Mixed Incontinence:
As the name suggests, this type combines both stress and urge incontinence. It’s a double-whammy where you might leak due to physical activity and still experience sudden urges to urinate.
Overflow Incontinence:
This happens when your bladder doesn’t empty completely during urination, leading to frequent or constant dribbling of urine. It’s more common in men, particularly those with prostate problems, but can affect women as well.
Functional Incontinence:
This type occurs when a physical or mental impairment, such as arthritis or dementia, prevents you from reaching the bathroom in time. It’s not directly related to the bladder’s function but can still result in leakage.
Understanding which type of incontinence you’re experiencing is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan.
The Pelvic Floor’s Role in Bladder Control
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that act like a supportive hammock, holding up your bladder, uterus (in females), and rectum. These muscles play a key role in bladder control because they help regulate when urine is held in and when it is released. When the pelvic floor muscles are functioning properly, they support your bladder and urethra, keeping everything in check. When you need to urinate, these muscles relax to allow urine to pass, then they contract to stop the flow.
However, if the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, damaged, or overly tense, they can’t perform these tasks effectively. This is when urinary incontinence occurs.
Several factors can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, including:
Pregnancy and Childbirth:
The physical strain of pregnancy and the process of childbirth can stress and weaken the pelvic floor muscles, making bladder control more difficult.
Aging:
As we age, muscle strength naturally decreases, including in the pelvic floor. This weakening can make it harder to prevent leaks.
Obesity:
Carrying extra weight (especially in the abdominal area) increases the pressure on your pelvic floor, which can lead to stress incontinence.
Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal shifts, especially during menopause, can affect the elasticity and strength of the pelvic floor.
Chronic Coughing:
Conditions like asthma or bronchitis that cause frequent coughing can put repetitive strain on your pelvic floor, weakening it over time.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized approach that focuses on strengthening, relaxing, and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles. It’s a non-invasive, effective treatment that can significantly improve or even eliminate urinary incontinence. At Bonneville Pelvic Health in Ogden, Utah, we use an evidence-based and holistic approach to address pelvic floor dysfunction and help you regain control over your bladder.
What to Expect During Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Your first visit to pelvic floor physical therapy will involve a comprehensive assessment by a board certified doctor of physical therapy. This initial consultation includes:
Medical History Review:
We’ll go over your medical background, including any surgeries, pregnancies, or other factors that might contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Lifestyle Evaluation:
We’ll discuss your daily habits, including diet, exercise, and fluid intake, all of which can affect bladder control.
Physical Examination:
This includes both external and internal assessments to evaluate the strength, flexibility, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles.
Based on this evaluation, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include:
Pelvic Floor Exercises:
Often referred to as Kegel exercises, these are designed to strengthen the muscles that control urination. We will guide you in performing these exercises correctly to ensure the best results.
Bladder Training:
This involves developing a schedule for urination that helps retrain your bladder to hold urine longer and reduce urgency.
Lifestyle Modifications:
We’ll recommend adjustments to your diet, fluid intake, and daily habits to support bladder health.
Manual Therapy:
In some cases, hands-on techniques are used to release tension in the pelvic floor muscles and improve their function.
Our goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to regain bladder control and improve your overall quality of life.
Why Choose Bonneville Pelvic Health?
When it comes to treating urinary incontinence, you want to choose a provider who offers both expertise and compassionate care. At Bonneville Pelvic Health, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, personalized treatment plans designed to meet your unique needs.
Here’s why we’re the best choice for pelvic floor therapy in Northern Utah:
Expertise:
Our therapists are highly trained and have extensive experience treating a variety of pelvic floor dysfunctions, including urinary incontinence.
Personalized Care:
We take the time to understand your individual goals and challenges, creating a treatment plan tailored just for you.
Holistic Approach:
We don’t just focus on symptoms—we address the underlying causes of your incontinence to ensure long-term success.
Don’t let urinary incontinence control your life any longer. Contact Bonneville Pelvic Health today and take the first step toward regaining your confidence and freedom.
Written by:
Dual Board Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Bonneville Pelvic Health
As an expert in pelvic floor rehabilitation, Dr. Bailee Burningham brings extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
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