Why Do I “Pee A Little” When I Laugh?

Is ‘I just peed a little’ the new badge of honour among women that goes hand in hand with an honest, hearty laugh? Most women think it’s just part of crossing off another birthday. In fact, urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) is no laughing matter, and although common, is not normal for any healthy individual to experience.

At the bottom of our pelvis we have a group of muscles called the pelvic floor. These muscles get little press, but play an enormous role in our overall health and function. In fact, about 80% of chronic low back pain is related to a pelvic floor problem. Urinary incontinence is one possible sign of pelvic floor weakness. When the pelvic floor muscles are strong and supportive they essentially squeeze to “close the hose” (the urethra) and prevent any leakage. For those with pelvic floor weakness, pelvic floor strengthening is the answer.

But hold on, if it were that easy… why is leaking so common if seemingly everyone knows about Kegel exercises?

Researchers had the same question. And what they found was that it’s hard to do a proper Kegel. You can’t see your pelvic floor, and if you’ve ever had back pain, pelvic pain, pregnancy, abdominal surgery or laparoscopy there’s a good chance you had a change to your pelvic floor activation. The gold standard of medical guidelines has always indicated that Kegel exercises should be confirmed by a vaginal assessment with a certified and specialized Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist.

At Core Restore Physiotherapy + Pelvic Health, we’re experts at teaching you how to do a proper Kegel — activating your pelvic floor from front to back and releasing properly afterward. We'll help make your laughs, sneezes and coughs – dry again.

– Emily Adams, Hons.BSc., MSc.P.T., Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Floor & Orthopaedic Physiotherapist