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Why you should contact a GP if you’re experiencing bladder leaks

If you start experiencing bladder leakage, you might be concerned, confused or even scared. But, rest assured that you’re not alone. According to the UK Government, there are around 14 million people in the UK with some degree of urinary leakage, which is more than 10% of the UK populace. That’s right, 1 in 10 people. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some more incontinence statistics as well as going over why it’s important to speak to your GP about what’s happening. Lastly, we’ll recommend some products to help you in the short term and long term.

Breaking it down

It’s a common misconception that only women experience incontinence. This couldn’t be further from the truth. PHS Group carried out a report that revealed 51% of men surveyed had experienced symptoms associated with urinary incontinence. With 8 out of 10 of those men saying it left them feeling anxious to leave the house.

But, it’s not just something that affects older people either, this is another common misconception about incontinence. Did you know that 1 in 5 men experience incontinence as early as 18-25? It’s also really common amongst men who have had or are currently experiencing prostate cancer, with 1 in 3 men going on to experience bladder leaks.

Due to the nature of childbirth, 1 in 3 women experience leaks after giving birth. This is for a number of reasons, including:

Stretching of pelvic floor muscles: The weight of the baby and the force of contractions during labour put immense strain on the pelvic floor muscles. This can result in stretching or even tearing of the muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs, leading to decreased muscle strength and control.

Damage to nerves: The nerves responsible for controlling bladder function can be impacted during childbirth. This can disrupt the coordination between the bladder muscles and the brain, leading to difficulties in bladder control.

Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and childbirth cause significant hormonal fluctuations in a woman's body. These hormonal changes can affect the integrity and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles, making them more susceptible to weakness and reduced control over bladder function.

Episiotomy or tear: In some cases, an episiotomy (a surgical cut made to widen the vaginal opening) or a tear during childbirth may occur. This can damage muscles and nerves, contributing to incontinence.

The menopause can also trigger urinary incontinence in some women. When a woman begins their menopausal journey, they can experience a decrease in oestrogen levels. This hormonal change can affect the elasticity and overall strength of the tissues in the urinary tract, leading to incontinence. The menopause used to be a bit of a taboo, but it really shouldn’t be. You might’ve noticed that it’s being talked about a lot on TV nowadays, which is fantastic. If you’re reading this and you’re going through menopause, keep talking about it to people, you’re doing great.

Why you should talk to a GP if you’re experiencing bladder leaks

Bladder leaks can be an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing thing to go through. But, remember, a lot of people are going through the same thing. GPs are well versed in everything that goes on down there and they see people with bladder weakness all the time. While it might seem like a minor and manageable problem at first, it can sometimes get worse. Going to see a GP will help you get a solid understanding of what’s going on with your body and help you to manage the situation better.

Here are a few good reasons you should contact a health professional if you’re experiencing urine leakage:

1. They can help identify any possible underlying causes

We’re not here to scare or worry you, but sometimes bladder leaks can be symptomatic of some underlying health conditions. A GP can help identify the root cause, which is the best place to start for proper treatment. A few common causes are:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent bladder leaks can be a sign of a UTI, which can need antibiotics to clear the infection. You can actually test for these at home using self-test kits. They usually only take a couple of minutes and they have equal accuracy to NHS testing, so you know you’re getting an accurate result. If positive, you can get subscribed antibiotics through their apps, or book a GP appointment to receive treatment. Sometimes you have to wait weeks to get a doctor’s appointment, so these can be really helpful in the meantime.

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves that control the bladder, leading to incontinence.

Neurological Disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or having a stroke can affect nerve signals to the bladder.
By determining the underlying cause, your GP can help you with a targeted treatment plan and get you back on the road to a stronger bladder.

Shop UTI Self-Test Kits

2. They can help you access the right treatment

Every person's body is different. Guess what? Everyone’s bladder is different too. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for bladder weakness and urinary incontinence. If you’re new to experiencing leaks, you might be panicking a bit and trying all kinds of things to fix the issue. By sitting down and having a chat with your GP, you might find they recommend something you haven’t tried yet. They’re a valuable hub of medical information and definitely the best people to speak to.

Something that almost everyone can do to some degree is pelvic floor exercises. The most ability-friendly is the Kegel. What is a Kegel? I hear you say. It’s not just a funny word, it’s a really beneficial exercise that you can perform anytime, anywhere, in total secrecy.

How to perform a kegel:

Empty your bladder before starting
Imagine you’re urinating and you suddenly need to stop mid-stream (alternatively, imagine you are trying to stop passing wind)
You should feel a contraction inside your body in the pelvic area
Hold the contraction for 3 to 5 seconds, then release
Wait 3 to 5 seconds and then repeat the contraction
You can perform this stood up, sat down, or lay down

If you’re Kegel’ing away and ready for more, you might want to move onto something a little more specialised. We brought in Natalie Small, Personal Trainer, and postpartum specialist to talk through some exercises and their benefits. Grab yourself a cup of tea, sit back, relax, and watch the video below.

Other things they may recommend are dietary changes, weight loss, fluid management and bladder training. Bladder training involves scheduling toilet breaks and gradually increasing the intervals between them to train the bladder to hold urine longer. Like we said, though, chat to a GP before embarking on a militant bladder training regime or changing up your diet. A GP can help you tailor treatment to your needs.

Everyone’s experience with bladder leaks is different, and a GP can help you develop a management plan that suits your lifestyle and preferences. A personal approach means your treatment is not only effective but also sustainable in the long term. Your GP will consider factors such as your daily routine, activity level, and any other health conditions you may have to create a plan that integrates seamlessly into your life.

3. Education and support

You know the age-old saying, “Knowledge is power.” Well, it’s true. The more you know about bladder leaks and the way your anatomy works, the better you’ll be able to manage it. Owning your condition and doing what you can to fully understand it will give you the confidence you need to go out there and live your best life. A GP can provide valuable education and support to help you manage your condition. Understanding the nature of urinary incontinence, its triggers, and effective coping strategies can empower you to take control of your health. Additionally, your GP can refer you to support groups or counsellors if you need further emotional support.

While we aren’t GPs, we are incontinence experts. We live, breathe and pee incontinence. If you’re looking for some specific help with your incontinence, why not check out our blog? It’s full of useful articles like this one, that can help you get the most out of your experience. You’ll find plenty of information about bladder weakness, incontinence and product recommendations to help you get the best value as well as fantastic everyday solutions.

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