You’re Not Alone: The Most Frequently Googled Questions by Women Experiencing Incontinence

Whether it’s linked to pregnancy, menopause, or just one of those things that’s crept in over time, bladder issues are nothing to be embarrassed about. We’ve pulled together answers to some of the most common questions so you can feel a bit more informed, a bit more reassured, and know where to turn if things aren’t quite right.

🔍 Can incontinence be cured?

In many cases, yes. With the right mix of lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medication, or even surgery, incontinence can be improved or completely resolved. It's worth speaking to your doctor about what’s best for you.

🔍 Can incontinence be a sign of cancer?

It’s very rare for incontinence to be linked to cancer. It’s usually caused by things like muscle weakness, nerve damage, or hormonal changes. If you’re worried, it’s always best to check in with your doctor for peace of mind.

🔍 Does constipation cause the urgency to wee?

Yes, it can. If you’re constipated, your bowel can press on your bladder and make you feel like you need to go more urgently or more often. Sorting out the constipation can often ease these symptoms.

🔍 Can the urge to pee be psychological?

Stress and anxiety can definitely make the urge feel stronger, but they’re not usually the root cause. True urgency is more likely down to your bladder or nerves, so it’s worth exploring what’s really going on.

🔍 Is urine leakage normal in pregnancy?

A bit of leaking is really common when you're pregnant. It’s often due to the growing baby pressing on your bladder and all the hormonal shifts happening. Things usually settle down after the birth.

🔍 Can urine leak into your body?

No, urine doesn’t leak into your body – it leaks out, usually through the urethra. If it ever did leak internally, that would be extremely rare and something serious that your doctor would need to investigate.

🔍 Is leaking pee a sign of a UTI?

It can be, but not always. Leaking might happen with a urinary tract infection, but it’s more common to have burning, stinging or a need to pee constantly. If something feels off, it’s a good idea to get checked.

🔍 Is bladder weakness a sign of menopause?

It can be. After menopause, hormonal changes and reduced muscle tone can affect your bladder control. It’s not something you just have to put up with though – there are treatments that can really help.

🔍 Is a weak bladder genetic?

There may be a bit of a family link, but most of the time, things like lifestyle, childbirth, and hormonal changes have a bigger impact. Either way, it’s not something you have to suffer through.

🔍 Do I have a small bladder?

Most of us have bladders that are around the same size. If you’re weeing a lot or having leaks, it’s usually not because your bladder is too small – there’s often something else going on that can be treated.

🔍 Does bladder weakness happen to everyone as they get older?

It’s common, but not inevitable. Plenty of people maintain good bladder control well into later life. If you’re starting to notice changes, it’s worth knowing that support and treatment are available.

🔍 Is incontinence a sign of dementia?

Not directly. Incontinence can happen in the later stages of dementia, but it’s more about general age-related changes than a specific early symptom. If you’re unsure, your GP can talk things through with you.

🔍 What does waking to pee at night mean?

Needing to wee at night – called nocturia – can be linked to things like an overactive bladder, how much you're drinking in the evening, or other medical issues. If it’s frequent or affecting your sleep, speak to your GP.