Bladder issues and incontinence

Overview

Bladder issues — including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and urinary retention — are common concerns that can affect people of all ages but are particularly prevalent among women, older adults, and those with pelvic floor dysfunction^[1].
Incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur during coughing, laughing, exercise, or as a sudden urge to urinate. These issues can impact confidence, social participation, and quality of life.

While medical evaluation is essential to identify underlying causes such as infection, hormonal changes, or nerve dysfunction, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) approaches can support bladder control, pelvic floor strength, and emotional well-being when used alongside conventional treatment^[2,3].

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Bladder and continence issues may develop due to physical, hormonal, neurological or lifestyle factors ^[3,4].

Common contributors include:

• Pelvic floor weakness – often following childbirth, surgery, or ageing ^[2,6]
• Hormonal changes – particularly reduced estrogen after menopause
• Chronic coughing – from asthma, smoking, or respiratory issues, increasing pressure on the bladder
• Obesity or high-impact exercise – increasing abdominal strain ^[4]
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or inflammation
• Neurological conditions – such as multiple sclerosis or spinal injury
• Stress and anxiety – influencing bladder sensitivity and muscle tension ^[5]

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Involuntary urine leakage during coughing, laughing, or movement
• Sudden or strong urges to urinate
• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
• Pelvic heaviness or discomfort
• Emotional distress, embarrassment, or anxiety linked to bladder control

Symptoms can vary in severity and may appear gradually over time. Addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions is key to effective management ^[3,5].

Holistic and TCIH Approaches

TCIH approaches focus on restoring muscle tone, nervous system regulation, and emotional balance while supporting bladder and pelvic health. These modalities can complement medical care for long-term results. You may wish to explore:

• Pelvic Floor Therapy – targeted exercises such as Kegels and biofeedback can significantly improve bladder control and reduce leakage ^[2,6].
• Physiotherapy – helps retrain muscles and improve postural alignment for pelvic stability.
• Yoga Therapy – enhances awareness of core and pelvic muscles while reducing stress that can aggravate symptoms^[7].
• Mindfulness / Meditation – reduces anxiety-related urgency and promotes relaxation of the bladder and pelvic floor^[5].
• Acupuncture – may modulate bladder reflexes and improve symptoms of overactive bladder and stress incontinence^[8].
• Naturopathy – focuses on hydration, urinary tract support, and addressing contributing factors such as chronic inflammation.
• Herbal Medicine – herbs like corn silk, horsetail, buchu, and gosha-jinki-gan have been studied for urinary tract tone and anti-inflammatory effects^[9].
• Counselling – supports confidence, self-esteem, and coping with the emotional impact of incontinence.

Self-Care & Lifestyle Practices

Alongside treatment, daily self-care strategies can strengthen bladder health and promote comfort:

• Practise regular pelvic floor exercises to build muscle tone
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce abdominal pressure
• Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners
• Stay hydrated – insufficient water intake can concentrate urine and irritate the bladder
• Practise mindful toileting – don’t rush or “just in case” urinate too often
• Use relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce urgency or anxiety triggers
• Wear breathable, natural-fibre underwear and avoid tight clothing

When to Seek Professional Support

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening leakage
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine
• Frequent nighttime urination is disrupting sleep
• Sudden changes in bladder control after surgery or injury

An integrative approach combining medical care, pelvic rehabilitation, and TCIH modalities can help restore confidence and improve quality of life. A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner trained in pelvic health, acupuncture, or mind–body integration can support your recovery journey.