It’s normal to notice changes in our pelvic health as we age. The pelvic floor, which includes the muscles that support our bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs, can weaken over time. This can lead to problems like bladder leaks. Up to 75% of women and 21% of men over 65 experience bladder leaks. It’s important to remember that while this is common, if it’s bothersome to you, there are options for treatment.

Keep reading to learn how to talk to your doctor about bladder leaks. If you need more information about what causes bladder leaks, check out our resource here. 

When should I talk to my doctor about bladder leaks?

You should talk to your doctor about bladder leaks anytime you notice changes or any problems related to leaking urine. Consider meeting with your provider if you have:

• New bladder leaks
• Bladder leaks that are worse than you’ve had before, or bedwetting at night
• Any pain associated with urinating
• Any foul-smelling urine
• Sudden increase in urine frequency or urgency
• Cloudy-looking urine
• Blood in your urine
• New onset of pelvic pain
• Frequent urinary tract infections (2+ times within the past 6 months)

If you have symptoms, it’s better to talk to your provider earlier rather than later. "I often wish my patients would reach out to their primary care provider sooner,” says Tom Gaither, MD, a urologist at UCLA. “Early conversations can lead to timely support, making it easier for me, as a specialist, to help with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment."

What information do I need to talk to your doctor about bladder leaks?

The more information your doctor has, the better. They’ll want to know about what you’re going through, such as:

• When you started noticing bladder leaks
• How often they happen, and how frequently you go to the bathroom throughout the day and night
• If they happen at a certain time of day (for example, nighttime)
• If you have noticed any pattern between the bladder leaks and certain food, drinks, or medication (for example, if you have bladder leaks after having carbonated drinks or eating spicy food)
• How you’ve been handling the bladder leaks (for example, using bladder protection items), and if you want to discuss other solutions 
• If your bladder leaks are linked to any sudden urgency (such as leakage with a sudden urge when washing dishes)
• If your bladder leaks happen with daily activities (for example, coughing or standing up off the couch)
• If you have pain while urinating, any foul odor, or any blood in your urine

Which doctor should I talk to about bladder leaks?

You can talk to your primary care doctor about bladder leaks. They might recommend you see a specialist to get checked out and work on a treatment plan. 

Women may be referred to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), a doctor for women’s health. Your OB-GYN can help diagnose and treat issues with incontinence, pelvic pain, and menopause. “Women often suffer in silence when it comes to their health,” says pelvic floor physical therapist Sonam Sayania, DPT. “Especially if you have incontinence or post-menopausal symptoms, it’s important to talk to your provider.”

Men and women may be referred to a urologist. These are doctors who specialize in pelvic health, and for men, they deal with kidney, bladder, prostate, penis, and testicular issues. “Many men are hesitant to talk about issues with their penis, bladder, or rectum out of embarrassment,” Dr. Gaither says. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you’re talking to your doctor. In fact, as a doctor, we can learn a lot about your overall health by talking about your urinary and sexual habits.”

How can my doctor help me with bladder leaks?

There are plenty of different ways to address bladder leaks, depending on what’s causing the issue. Different treatment options include:

• Programs to “retrain” your bladder, which could include keeping a bladder diary or urinating on a schedule
• Using urge control techniques 
• Pelvic floor physical therapy
• Trying bladder support devices, such as a pessary
• Medication
• Procedures like Botox or nerve stimulation

You and your doctor may also talk about some lifestyle changes that can help improve bladder control, such as:

• Drinking plenty of water. It’s common for people with bladder leaks to drink less water to try to prevent urinary incontinence. But it’s important to stay hydrated to prevent bladder irritation, which could cause more leakage.
• Avoiding food and drinks that can irritate your bladder. Some common bladder irritants include caffeinated drinks, alcohol, carbonated drinks, acidic food, and spicy food. 
• Ensuring easy access to the bathroom. Does your home have clear, accessible pathways to the bathroom? Check for tripping hazards or clutter. 

Prevent bladder leaks with exercise

At Bold, we’re here to help you on your journey toward better pelvic health and well-being so you can stay confident as you age. If you’re dealing with bladder leaks, you’re not alone, and your health care team can help. We’re here for you, too! Keep moving and learning with Bold’s pelvic health programs.