Leaking When You Sneeze, Cough, Run or Jump?
Online Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Incontinence (UK)
Sub-headline: Urinary leakage is common - but not something you have to live with. Specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy can help, and it can be done safely online.
Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, running or jumping is most often a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction, commonly stress urinary incontinence. In many cases, it can be effectively treated with personalised pelvic floor physiotherapy delivered online, without internal examination.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone
You might notice leaking:
- When you sneeze, cough or laugh
- When you run, jump or exercise
- When lifting, standing up or changing position
- During pregnancy or after birth
- Years after childbirth or around menopause
Many people are told to “just do kegels” - but that advice is often incomplete and sometimes makes symptoms worse. The safest next step is expert assessment, so your plan is tailored to your symptoms and medical history.
What causes leaking when you sneeze or jump?
Urinary leakage during impact or pressure changes usually happens when the pelvic floor cannot respond effectively to increases in abdominal pressure.
Common contributing factors include:
- Pelvic floor weakness
- Poor timing or coordination of the pelvic floor
- Excessive pelvic floor tension (yes - tight muscles can still leak)
- Changes during pregnancy, birth or menopause
- Repeated high-impact exercise without adequate support
- Breathing or core strategies that overload the pelvic floor
Understanding which of these applies to you is key - and that’s what assessment is for.
Stress incontinence vs urge incontinence
- Stress urinary incontinence: leaking with sneeze, cough, jump or exertion
- Urge incontinence: sudden, intense need to urinate and difficulty holding on
Some people experience both. Online assessment helps clarify this and guide treatment.
Can leaking be treated with online pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Yes - very often.
Online pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on:
- Identifying whether your symptoms are driven by weakness, tension or poor coordination
- Improving how your pelvic floor responds to pressure
- Teaching safe, effective exercises tailored to your presentation
- Addressing breathing, posture and movement habits that worsen leakage
- Helping you return to daily activities or exercise with confidence
If your clinician feels an internal examination is clinically important, they will explain this clearly and guide you on next steps - your safety and wellbeing always come first.
What happens in an online consultation?
Your pelvic health physiotherapist will:
- Take a detailed bladder, medical and lifestyle history
- Assess breathing patterns, posture and movement
- Identify triggers for leakage
- Explain what’s happening in clear, practical terms
- Create a personalised plan, which may include:
- Pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation
- Coordination and timing strategies
- Pressure-management techniques
- Exercise and activity guidance
You’ll leave feeling clear, confident, and supported - knowing exactly what to focus on and why it matters.
When should you book an assessment?
Book an online consultation if:
- Leaking is affecting your confidence or activity choices
- Symptoms are getting worse or not improving
- You’ve tried pelvic floor exercises but nothing has really changed
- You’re pregnant, postpartum or menopausal and noticing new or different symptoms
- You’d like expert guidance and reassurance before things build up
Getting support early can make a real difference - and helps you feel back in control sooner.
When online care may not be suitable
You should seek in-person or urgent care if you have:
- Pain, burning or blood when urinating
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge
- A sudden bulge or heaviness in your vagina that worsened during the day
- You have had a recent pelvic surgery or complications
- Recurrent urinary infections
- Sudden onset neurological symptoms
- Incontinence following recent surgery or trauma without medical review
Your physiotherapist will support you every step of the way - and if you need extra care or an in-person assessment, they’ll guide you clearly on what to do next.
Why Mothercore
- Specialist pelvic health physiotherapists who truly understand what you’re going through
- UK-registered clinicians you can feel confident and safe with
- Evidence-based, personalised care - built around your body, your symptoms, and your life
- Clear, supportive explanations (no shame, no guesswork, no “just live with it”)
- Flexible online appointments that fit around work, pregnancy, and childcare
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leaking when sneezing normal after childbirth?
It is common but not normal. Leakage indicates pelvic floor dysfunction and can often be improved with physiotherapy, even years after birth.
Will kegels fix leaking?
Not always. Some people leak because of tension or poor coordination rather than weakness. Doing kegels without assessment can worsen symptoms.
Can you help if I leak during exercise?
Yes. Many people experience leakage during running or jumping due to pressure-management issues that respond well to targeted physiotherapy.
Is it too late to fix this if I’ve had symptoms for years?
No. Pelvic floor symptoms can improve at any stage with appropriate assessment and treatment.
Book your online pelvic floor consultation
Confidential, one-to-one support with a specialist physiotherapist.