Netball players of the Shire (Woolooware), Bondi Junction and Cammeray...

 

Why do I leak when I play netball? 

Always running to the toilet in between quarters of your netball game? You are not alone! Leaking occurs in 30% of netballers, and 50% of those women playing netball who have had children.  There are likely many more not reporting leaking.  

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Leaking during exercise is called Stress Urinary Incontinence or SUI for short. It is so common in netballers because netball is an explosive sport involving jumping, running, sprinting with sudden stopping, and repetitive/rapid change of direction. These tasks place high pressures on the bladder.  If the pressure on the bladder exceeds the pressure of the urethra (which stops urine coming out), then we will leak urine.  

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How can I fix my leaking when I play netball? 

The mechanism for SUI is complex and so there may be different treatments for different women. A women’s health physio assessment will help determine what may work for you. A common fix for SUI is the use of a vaginal pessary which is a supportive device inserted and removed easily, similar to a tampon, and helps to stop leaking. You may be prescribed exercises for your pelvic floor or advised to work on other parts of your body which contribute to the increased pressure on your bladder, possibly your abdominal wall or your feet. In some circumstances we may recommend seeking an opinion from a Urogynaecologist as to whether surgery is needed.  

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Whether you are playing netball in the the Shire (Woolooware), Bondi Junction and Cammeray we have experienced women's health physio for you who can help you with your SUI.  

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