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Managing Bladder Weakness: Do’s and Don’ts

If you have a few leaks a day and occasionally feel it’s not easy to hold your bladder, have an active social life but sometimes need to urgently rush to the bathroom, or you love trying new foods but you fear what effect they will have on your bladder; then this article is for you.

We would like to share some do’s and don’ts with you to help manage the condition in the most effective manner. However, we always recommend you to first talk to your GP before starting any new exercise regime or changing your diet. 

When at work or at home…

DO engage in daily exercise

Bladder weakness makes normal aerobic exercise, like running, more difficult. However, leaks and urges shouldn’t drive you to abandon exercise entirely: there are many activities – like yoga and swimming, that can help you stay active without putting strain on your bladder [1].  Pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, also work to strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce urges over time. 

DON’T forget to track your symptoms

Bladder weakness sometimes takes the back burner to a busy schedule. But as with any medical condition, monitoring helps you understand your symptoms, communicate with the healthcare professionals, and choose products appropriately. Keep a voiding diary in your desk or purse, or try a bladder tracking apps.  

What is my ideal solution?

When socialising…

DO choose bladder-friendly foods and drinks

The current situation with Covid-19 won’t allow us to have social occasions but this tip would help you in the future. Social occasions invite people to indulge in fizzy drinks, spicy snacks, and creamy desserts, all of which spell trouble for bladder weakness. Fizzy beverages and spicy food irritate the bladder, while dairy-laden treats contribute to constipation[2],[3]. Meanwhile, caffeine and alcohol are also known as bladder irritants[4]. Stick to non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverages, as well as these alternatives to coffee and these bladder-friendly foods.

DON’T forget to talk to your doctor

Many people who have bladder weakness feel embarrassed talking about their condition with their doctor. However, mild-to-moderate bladder weakness may have an underlying cause, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, or a kidney infection[5]. Talking to a doctor will also help you develop the best plan for managing bladder weakness.

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When traveling or out and about…

DO remember to carry extra absorbent pads

In future when our busy schedules would start you can consider this tip as it is quite useful! When you are on a business or leisure trip it is always better to carry some extra absorbent pads with you. You never know if you will find the same brand of products elsewhere. You can carry a small travel pouch and keep all the pads in there. You can keep this travel pouch comfortably inside your travel suitcase as this can ensure your discretion.

DON’T use female sanitary towels for bladder weakness

If you run out of pads, don’t use female sanitary towels for protection against leaks. Female sanitary towels are designed to hold thicker liquid than urine. Sanitary towels also don’t neutralise acid-like absorbent pads, which could lead to skin irritation[6]. Bladder weakness products are engineered to absorb maximum amounts of liquid, as well as protect the skin. For men, we would always recommend pads or other solutions designed specially as per the male anatomy.

So, here you go. Some simple tips from us to help you manage bladder weakness condition in the most effective manner. As a reminder, we encourage you to speak to your GP. They will help you assess the condition correctly and guide you further.

Please don’t forget to live your life as usual!


[1] C. S. McCauley, ed. “9 Tips for Exercising with Incontinence.” McLeod Health, n.d. Source: https://www.mcleodhealth.org/blog/9-tips-exercising-incontinence/

[2] N. N. Maserejian, C. G. Wager, E. L. Giovannucci, T. M. Curto, K. T. McVary, & J. B. McKinlay. “Intake of Caffeinated, Carbonated, or Citrus Beverage Types and Development of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men and Women.” American Journal of Epidemiology, 2013. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676152/

[3] “Can Your Diet Affect Your Bladder or Bowel Control?” National Association for Continence, n.d. Source: https://www.nafc.org/diet-habits

[4] “Could Alcohol Consumption be Contributing to your Incontinence or Bedwetting Problem?” National Association for Continence, 2017. Source: https://www.nafc.org/bhealth-blog/could-alcohol-consumption-be-contributing-to-your-incontinence-or-bedwetting-problem

[5] “Tips and Advice: Talking to Your Doctor.” National Incontinence, n.d. Source: https://nationalincontinence.com/pages/tips-talking-to-your-doctor

[6] “Why You Shouldn’t Use a Maxi-Pad for Incontinence” National Association for Continence, 2016. Source: https://www.nafc.org/bhealth-blog/why-you-shouldnt-use-a-maxi-pad-for-incontinence

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