Understanding more about light bladder leakage or LBL will help you improve this very widespread but bothersome condition.
To put it simply, light bladder leakage is the involuntary passing of a small amount of urine. It’s the quantity of the loss that differentiates it from medium or heavy incontinence, as it’s usually just a few drops or a small gush.
Although it may feel like it’s just happening to you, it’s thought that nearly half of all women will experience bladder leakage at some stage in their life. Statistics indicate only a third of women experience incontinence, but smaller surveys suggest the problem is more prevalent. It’s a problem some women refuse to admit – even to themselves. This is a shame because as you’ll discover, it can be improved and, in many cases, even fixed.
Triggers and types of light bladder weakness
Light bladder weakness is typically triggered when pressure is applied to a full or nearly-full bladder, and the pelvic floor muscle isn’t strong enough to hold back the expulsion of urine. This muscle, which is like a hammock stretching from the pubic bone to coccyx, supports the pelvic organs and is clenched to control the passing of urine, wind or a bowel movement. If the muscle is weak and pressure is exerted on the pelvis and bladder, a leak will occur. This is known as stress incontinence.
Pressure can be applied from many everyday activities, including:
- Sneezing – with some women particularly suffering in spring with hay fever and other allergies
- Coughing – especially associated with a cold or a persistent smoker’s cough
- Laughing
- High impact exercise – the jarring of running, jumping or skipping can induce a leak
- Lifting heavy weights – including weight training at the gym, bags of groceries and even small children
Light bladder leakage can also be the result of urge incontinence where without warning, you have a sudden and urgent need to urinate. If the pelvic floor is weak, you may not have the ability to hold on until you reach a toilet and experience a small leak.
The triggers can also vary and include:
- Food and drinks that are known to irritate the bladder including caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, chocolate, citrus, tomato and chilli
- Dehydration – while this sounds counterintuitive, dehydration causes urine to increase in concentration and agitate the bladder
- A urinary tract infection (UTI)
Why does it happen?
There are many reasons why the pelvic floor muscle may be weakened. These include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause
- Ageing
- Obesity
- Chronic coughing
- Constipation
- High impact sports
What can you do about it?
The good news is that light bladder leakage can often be improved and even resolved. Here are some strategies:
1. Pelvic floor exercises Also known as Kegels, these exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They’re simple to do and can be done anywhere. It’s important to do them regularly and correctly.
2. Bladder training This involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to train your bladder to hold more urine.
3. Lifestyle changes Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding bladder irritants can all help reduce leakage.
4. Stay hydrated Drinking enough water helps dilute urine and reduce bladder irritation.
5. Use the right products Using products specifically designed for bladder leakage, like those from TENA, can help you manage symptoms discreetly and comfortably.
6. Seek medical advice If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend physiotherapy, medication, or other treatments.
Managing light bladder leakage
A little light bladder leakage shouldn’t stop you getting on with your day. Even if you’re in the process of strengthening your pelvic floor muscle and acquiring good habits to fix the problem, those little leaks can easily be managed.
The TENA range includes super small TENA Liners, often idea for light bladder leakage. Unlike regular liners, TENA liners are designed to handle the thinner, faster flow of a weak bladder, locking away fluid to leave you feeling dry and secure. Like all TENA products, the range has odour-control, which doesn’t mask smells, but prevents any tell-tale odours from developing.
The products are super thin and super absorbent, are soft and breathable and have BodyShapeTM Fit to minimise bunching.
Head to the TENA Product Finder Tool find the product that best suits your needs and even order FREE samples.