Get a Grip on the Drip

MP Edition 113

Leakage happens: let's talk about urinary incontinence.

Bladder leaks are way more common than you might think, yet they’re still a topic most of us whisper about (if we talk about them at all). Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of bladder control, and it can show up in many ways, from the occasional drip when you sneeze to an urgent dash to the bathroom that doesn’t quite end in time.

Urine good company. Over 400 million people worldwide experience some form of incontinence, with women disproportionately affected due to hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and menopause. But urinary incontinence doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone, at any age.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, you can experience more than one type at once.

Stress Incontinence
Leaks happen during physical activity, think sneezing, laughing, coughing, jumping, or lifting something heavy. That pressure weakens the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, causing little (or not-so-little) leaks.

Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder)
You feel a strong, sudden need to pee, even if your bladder isn’t full and sometimes don’t make it in time. If you’re running to the bathroom more than 8 times a day or waking up multiple times a night, this might be what you’re dealing with.

Overflow Incontinence
This is when your bladder doesn’t empty completely, leading to a bit of dribbling later on. It might feel like you just went but then, surprise, you leak again.

Functional Incontinence
This happens when physical   or cognitive challenges  prevent you from getting to   the toilet in time. It’s more common with conditions like arthritis, dementia, or mobility impairments.

Common Causes

While each case is unique, these are some of the usual suspects behind bladder leaks:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – Irritate the bladder and cause sudden urges.
• Menopause – Lower estrogen = weaker bladder control.
• Pregnancy & Childbirth – We love babies, but they don’t always love our pelvic floors.
• Pelvic surgery – Procedures like hysterectomy can impact bladder control.
• Obesity – Extra weight adds pressure to your bladder.
• Aging – The muscles that support your bladder may lose strength over time.
• Chronic Conditions – Diabetes, MS, Parkinson’s, and more can affect bladder function.
• Certain Medications – Diuretics, sedatives, and even some antidepressants can worsen leaks.
• Constipation or Bladder Stones – These can cause pressure and blockage.
• Lifestyle Factors – Excess caffeine, alcohol, or even a big bottle of water at the wrong time can lead to temporary leaks.

All of this impacts people’s physical health, mental health, and basic human rights.

What You Can Do: Treatment Options

No one-size-fits-all fix here but many options exist depending on what’s  causing your symptoms. Here are a few:

• Pelvic Floor Therapy (Kegels FTW!) – Strengthening these muscles can help reduce leaks over time.
• Bladder Training – Try scheduled bathroom trips to avoid “emergencies.”
• Medications – Some calm the bladder; others help strengthen muscles.
• Botox – Yes, the same stuff for wrinkles. When injected into the bladder, it can reduce spasms.
• Surgery – Recommended in more severe or treatment-resistant cases.

Always check in with your healthcare provider for a treatment plan that’s tailored to you.

Managing Everyday Leaks

If a cure isn’t on the table (or you’re still figuring things out), there are plenty of   ways to stay fresh, dry and confident:  

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get regular exercise (especially core + pelvic floor)
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol (we know, we know…)
• Stop smoking - it’s a bladder irritant
• Treat infections quickly
• Use absorbent underwear or pads when needed
• Use absorbent underwear or pads when needed
• Keep Fresh Wipes in your bag for easy, on-the-go refreshes. especially after leaks or liner changes

You deserve to feel fresh, clean, and in control, no matter what your bladder is doing. Remember: this is your body, and there’s zero shame in taking care of it.

Muff love ❤️