04/01/26
#235 Weak Bladder in Women: My Story & What Worked
I Thought I Just Had a Weak Bladder—Here’s What Actually Fixed It
Let’s talk about something a lot of women experience—but very few talk about openly:
Leaking.
Not just a little inconvenience, but the kind that makes you:
- Plan your walks around toilets
- Wear pads “just in case”
- Think twice about running, laughing, or even walking downhill
For years, I told myself I just had a “weak bladder.”
Turns out… that wasn’t actually the problem.
My Story
I’ve always been someone who needed to know where the nearest loo was.
Even as a child, I was the one saying, “I need to go—now.”
After having children, things changed again.
Despite being:
- Fit
- Active
- Consistent with pelvic floor exercises
…I was leaking.
Horse riding professionally? Let’s just say there were some awkward moments.
Running marathons? That became a strategic operation:
- Timing fluids
- Wearing a jumper around my waist
- Hoping for the best at the finish line
And yes—sometimes finishing with a wet patch.
When It Starts Controlling Your Life
This wasn’t just physical—it was mental.
I found myself:
- Planning routes to avoid downhill walks
- Managing when and how much I drank
- Wearing pads daily
- Feeling constantly on edge
Even social situations became stressful.
Dancing? Risky.
Going out? Needed planning.
Exercise? Always calculated.
And like many women, I was more embarrassed than anything else. I actually felt shame, I felt like it was my fault.
“Your Pelvic Floor Is Strong”
Eventually, I saw a pelvic floor physio.
Her assessment surprised me:
👉 My pelvic floor was strong
👉 The issue wasn’t weakness—it was support
Years after childbirth, I had ligament damage, meaning my bladder and urethra weren’t being properly supported.
I tried:
- Oestrogen cream
- A sea sponge (used like a tampon for support)
It helped slightly—but not enough to change my life.
When It Got Worse
Over time, things deteriorated.
After a bout of whooping cough, I was leaking constantly.
Every cough = leakage.
At that point, I was wearing full incontinence underwear just to get through the day.
That was my turning point.
Getting a Proper Diagnosis
I pushed for answers.
That led me through:
- A gynaecologist
- A urogynecologist
- Urodynamic testing
(Not the most pleasant experience—but incredibly useful.)
The result?
👉 Stress urinary incontinence
👉 Likely mild prolapse
👉 Structural issue—not just muscular
My Treatment Decision
I was given three options:
- Two surgical procedures (invasive, long recovery)
- One minimally invasive option
I chose the least invasive:
Bulkamid urethral bulking
This involves injecting a gel around the urethra to help it close properly under pressure.
The Result (10 Days Later)
Honestly?
Game changer.
Since the procedure:
- I haven’t worn a pad
- I’m no longer planning my life around toilets
- I feel normal again
I’ve had:
- One tiny leak from a big sneeze, when I had ignored the urge to go
That’s it.
After years of daily management… that’s huge.
What I Wish More Women Knew
Here’s the truth:
👉 Leaking is common
👉 But it is not something you just have to live with
Too many women:
- Normalise it
- Minimise it
- Work around it
When there are real solutions available.
5 Practical Tips If You’re Dealing With Leaking
1. It’s not always a weak pelvic floor
You can be strong and still leak. Structure matters.
2. Get assessed properly
Ask for referral to:
- Pelvic floor physio
- Gynaecologist or urogynecologist
3. Understand your options
Treatment may include:
- Rehab
- Hormonal support
- Devices
- Procedures
- Surgery (in some cases)
4. Be smart with hydration
Too little can irritate the bladder.
Too much at the wrong time can overwhelm it.
5. Stop putting up with it
This is the big one.
If you’re leaking when you:
- Run
- Cough
- Laugh
- Exercise
…it’s time to take it seriously.
Final Thoughts
I lived with this for years.
Adjusted my life. Worked around it. Made jokes about it.
But once I actually addressed it?
Everything changed.
If this is something you’re dealing with—quietly, privately, and a bit embarrassed—
👉 Go and get help
👉 Ask questions
👉 Explore your options
Because you don’t have to live like this.
Call to Action
If you’re ready to take control of your health—inside and out:
👉 Book a consultation with me (online or in Waihi)
Contact me: [email protected] 02102838272
👉 Explore my 12-week programme for midlife women
https://www.outlookforlife.com/programs
Or simply start by paying attention to your body—and backing yourself to get support.