Poise Pads

While it isn’t something many feel comfortable discussing, light bladder leakage is more common than you might realize. It is a problem that affects females of all ages. It can be caused by a number of factors such as age, bodily stress, and inflammatory conditions as well as during and following a pregnancy. Light bladder leaks might be as small as a few drops when sneezing to more frequent drops while going about daily motions such as walking, climbing stairs or even resting. Generally this is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be indicative of an underlying condition such as weakened pelvic floor muscles, an irritated bladder, an infection or damage to the urethra.

A common cause of light bladder leaks is overactive bladder, which is a condition treatable by medicine and caution. The old caution of “go before you leave just in case” can actually lead to an overactive bladder. While you don’t need to wait to use the restroom until you feel a strong urge, going too frequently can cause the bladder to become overactive, leading to very frequent urination and eventually, bladder leakage.

The first step in treating this issue is to consult your gynecologist to rule out any serious conditions. Your doctor may refer you to a urogynecologist, who is a specialist in that area, or they may send you to a physical therapist. A physical therapist helps treat pelvic floor muscle problems, and can be a valuable asset in getting better. While undergoing treatment, many products are available to help deal with the leakage. There are many varieties of inserts available for light bladder leaks, all tailored to the amount of leakage and the needs of the individual. Basic panty liners can be useful if the leaks are sneeze or “stress” induced but a more comfortable contoured pad might be better suited for an active lifestyle.

One of the best exercises you can to do help prevent and control light bladder leaks is pelvic floor exercises. These exercises, which include Kegels, help strengthen and tone the pelvic muscles, and can offer greater control over urination and leakage. If you are unsure how to best do Kegels or these exercises, you should consult with your doctor before beginning to make sure that your condition will not be worsened by it, and to learn how to do them properly.