In a recent interview with Huang Zheng, the Director of the Pelvic Floor and Urological Gynecology Department at the Women and Children’s Medical Center in Guangzhou, we explored the concerning prevalence of urinary incontinence among women and its potential health risks. Huang indicated that for some women, the expression “laughing so hard you pee” is not merely a humorous saying; it can signify a serious health condition known as stress urinary incontinence, which is a type of pelvic floor dysfunction. He emphasized that early intervention and treatment can greatly enhance a woman’s quality of life.
On the same day, the Guangdong Provincial Medical Association’s Committee on Electrophysiology for Obstetrics and Gynecology held a conference in Guangzhou, addressing issues such as postpartum pelvic fascia pain syndrome and the role of electrophysiological techniques in facilitating rapid recovery after gynecological surgery.
Huang described the female pelvic floor as a supportive structure comprised of muscles and fascia that holds the pelvic organs—such as the uterus, rectum, and bladder—much like a hammock. This structure is vital for maintaining urinary and bowel functions. However, as women age, these muscles and tissues can weaken, resembling a stretched network that has lost its tension. This weakening can result in involuntary urine leakage during increased abdominal pressure, such as when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
He noted that “laughing and leaking” is especially common among women during and after pregnancy, as well as post-menopause. In more severe instances, this leakage might occur even while rolling over or lying flat. The condition is often due to insufficient strength in the pelvic floor and urethral muscles, and in some cases, may arise from congenital defects in the external urethral sphincter.
Shikeun, the Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Women and Children’s Medical Center and a recognized expert in gynecological clinical specialties, stressed the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. He suggested that strategies such as manual therapy, electrophysiological treatment, and Kegel exercises can significantly reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. He further pointed out that particular attention should be given to post-surgical patients, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions to improve their quality of life.
“Preventive measures should begin early, encompassing postpartum care, surgical options, and screening for older women,” Shikeun commented. With increasing life expectancy, more women are confronting pelvic floor issues. He identified the three to six months postpartum as a “golden window” for pelvic muscle recovery, although he noted that starting treatment at any age can still be effective.
For individuals experiencing mild leakage, Huang recommends pelvic floor exercises such as Kegel and bladder training, suggesting at least 60 repetitions daily for four to six months. He also advised that activities like planks and Pilates can help strengthen the pelvic muscles. For those who do not see improvement through exercise, he encourages seeking treatment at a pelvic rehabilitation center to enhance pelvic function and restore nerve capabilities. Huang motivates patients to start with self-exercises and to seek medical advice if they do not achieve satisfactory progress, ensuring that any underlying conditions causing incontinence are identified and properly addressed based on the severity of their situation.
