I Don’t Have Kids…Why Do I Leak While Playing Pickleball?

Urinary leakage with exercise falls into the category of “common, but not normal.” And you’re definitely not alone! Urinary leakage during activities like pickleball, running, jumping, or even sneezing is called stress urinary incontinence. It happens when the pressure created inside your abdomen during activity temporarily overwhelms the pelvic floor and other structures that help keep the bladder closed.

And this can happen to people who haven’t had children!

As we get older, changes in muscle strength, coordination, activity levels, and hormones can all affect how the pelvic floor responds to movement and impact. You may also notice symptoms for the first time when you start a new activity or increase the intensity of something you already enjoy.

The good news? Leaking urine during exercise isn't something you simply have to accept as part of getting older. A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate how your pelvic floor is functioning and determine whether the issue is related to strength, timing, coordination, muscle tension, or something else.

So, if you're crossing your legs before that pickleball match “just in case,” it may be time to have your pelvic floor checked out. You should be able to enjoy the activities you love without planning your game around your bladder!

If this sounds familiar to you, we can help! Contact us for a complimentary virtual consult with one of our pelvic PT experts!