A GUIDE TO LIVING WITH LIGHT BLADDER LEAKS

Light bladder leaks are extremely common and experienced by thousands of men and women every single day. Although the condition is very common, at least half of people with bladder leaks don’t tell their doctor. Light bladder leakage is something you shouldn’t be embarrassed about. There are many ways to manage it and various products, tips and tricks to help you continue enjoying your life without fear or embarrassment.

Types of light bladder leaks:

1. Stress Incontinence

Urine leaks when exerting pressure on your bladder. E.g., when you: sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise, jump or do heavy lifting

2. Overflow incontinence

Your bladder continuously leaks/dribbles due to being unable to empty properly

3. Urge incontinence

• Your bladder feels the sudden urge to urinate without warning (in most case large amounts)
• You need to urinate often including throughout the night

For more information on types of incontinence you can review our blog here

Causes of light bladder leaks

Light bladder leaks can happen to anyone at any age; however, these are the top four reasons as to why someone may experience it:

1. Pregnancy or childbirth - Pressure on the bladder weakens pelvic floor muscles
2. Menopause – affects elasticity of your pelvic floor muscles and tissue supporting your bladder and the lining of your urethra
3. Pelvic floor surgery
4. Medical issues such as (but not limited to): diabetes, obesity, bladder or kidney infections, thyroid disorder or neurological disease such as Parkinson’s

For more information on post-partum incontinence, you can review our latest blog here

What triggers light bladder leaks?

• Sneezing, coughing or laughing
• Physical activity
• Heavy lifting
• Large fluid intake
• Drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks
• Smoking

Tips to help with light bladder leaks

1. Remain hydrated –form a drinking schedule to ensure that you don’t limit your fluid intake to the point of dehydration. If you’re suffering with bladder leaks, this is an easy mistake to make. Drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day to maintain hydration, roughly 1.5L per day is recommended.

2. Maintain a healthy weight – obesity puts additional unnecessary strain on your pelvic floor muscles and is a cause of bladder leaks. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can help limit the risks of worsening your bladder leaks. Following a diet that is high in fibre and low in sugar and fat can help contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, doing daily exercise such as going for a walk can keep you on top of your health and fitness.

3. Kegel exercises – help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles which hold and support your bladder and other parts of your body. Bladder leaks can be reduced with strengthening the pelvic floor muscles as these muscles work to contact urine. Read our latest blog about benefits of Kegel Exercises and how to do them HERE

4. Wear incontinence underwear or liners – Veeda offers underwear, liners, wipes and pads for incontinence that are better for your body and better for the earth. Our underwear and liners have an absorbent bio-core blend with added green tea leaf extract for a special dry, cool, breathable touch and a moisture wick layer, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable all day long. They are ultra-thin which provides a discreet look without compromising on protection. Anti-leakage cuffs and perforated sides for easy removal. Hypoallergenic, safe for Sensitive skin, totally chlorine-free with no harmful chemicals for a flexible fit and leak-proof protection. Available for men and women in sizes: S/M, L & XL.

5. Only go to the toilet when you need to – If you’re suffering with light bladder leaks, it is easy to fall into the trap of going to the toilet frequently ‘just in case’. This can promote an overactive bladder which can have negative long-term effects on your bladder control. By going too frequently, your bladder gets used to holding minimal amounts of urine making it even more sensitive and overactive therefore worsening the condition. Therefore, go to the toilet as soon as you feel that your bladder is full.

6. Don’t smoke or seek help to quit if you are a smoker – Smoker’s cough puts further strain on your pelvic floor muscles therefore weakening them. See your doctor if you’re having trouble quitting.

7. Avoid bladder irritants– Maintaining a healthy diet is good for your body and its overall performance. You should limit caffeinated drinks, alcohol, fizzy drinks and acidic foods such as spicy meals.

8. Speak to your doctor – bladder leaks aren’t something you should be embarrassed about. Talk to your doctor who can offer you medical advice on the best way to deal with your type of incontinence.

Medical Disclaimer: Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. Ask a medical professional if you have any health-related questions or concerns.

Additional Resources

Disher, S. (2021). What is Light Bladder Leakage?

https://tena.com.au/blogs/understanding-incontinence/what-is-light-bladder-leakage

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Urinary Incontinence.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Symptoms & Causes of Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems/symptoms-causes