Learning about bladder weakness can help you manage it better. You’ll also learn that there’s a lot of misunderstandings and myths about bladder weakness. For example, you probably didn’t realise just how common it is. We listed 6 of the most common facts and myths so you have a better understanding of bladder weakness and how common it is and how it can easily be managed.

Bladder weakness only affects older people

Myth. Whether you’re young or older, a man or a woman, it makes little difference. Anyone can experience bladder weakness at any age. Often it’s a side effect of pregnancy and many young sportswomen have it too. So it is not necessarily an age thing.

Pelvic floor exercises can help women regain control

Fact. In cases of Stress Incontinence (the leaks experienced when laughing, coughing, etc.) these exercises can have a success rate of up to 70%. The good news is that it’s never too late to start and you don’t need to be athletic to benefit.

No one I know has bladder weakness

Myth. Are you sure they’d tell you? Bladder weakness is very common and you are certainly not alone. In fact, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men experience it at some point in their lives, so it would be surprising if none of your friends had ever had it. Perhaps they have just discovered how to stay fresh and confident.

It’s my fault I’ve got bladder weakness

Myth. It’s no more your fault than, say, the size of your feet! Some people are just more prone to bladder weakness than others. Often it’s to do with weaker pelvic floor muscles. Ultimately, it’s just another bodily function and the good news is that there are steps you can take to minimise its impact on your life.

I guess my days of wearing tight jeans or slinky dresses are over

Myth. Not unless you want them to be. Products for bladder weakness now range from the equivalent of a pantyliner to larger sizes – to meet your needs and physique. In fact, to get a similar level of absorbency from a sanitary towel you’d have to go two sizes bigger, and even then they are not designed to retain the urine or tackle odour. So rather than hang up your party clothes, visit our Female Incontinence Products page to see just how small you can go.

Sanitary pads are more discreet than bladder weakness protection

Myth. Because bladder weakness protection is specifically designed to absorb and retain urine, they are two sizes smaller than the equivalent absorbency level of sanitary towel and more secure. So, they are actually more discreet. And, because they have an Odour Control mechanism – specially designed to eliminate the ammonia released by the bacteria in urine – they have the added benefit of being discreet in terms of odour as well as size.

Got questions about female incontinence and bladder weakness? Leave them on our comments section below or if you prefer to ask in confidence then you can email our Nurse specialist Shona, by clicking on the link below, we will endeavour to answer your questions as quickly as possible but if the answer is complex then we may need to ask you some specific questions before a response is given.

Ask Shona

Please note that all advice can only be considered as an opinion based upon the information you supply and that we are unable to provide any form of diagnosis or advice specific to your condition. We highly recommend that you always consult your GP, Practice Nurse or Continence Advisor.