How Common Are Bladder Leaks, Really?

Hey, accidents happen. Bladder leaks are far more common than you may think. There are men and women your age sharing similar experiences with bladder control issues. For many of us, it’s our normal. So let’s tear down the taboo.

You may think this is a problem faced by much older adults or those who live in nursing homes. But it’s actually a problem that many in their 30s, 40s and 50s experience too. Need proof of just how prevalent bladder leakage really is? Here you go:

1 in 4 Canadian adults experience incontinence, and the average age is 52.1

Then why are so few of us talking to our healthcare providers about it? According to the Canadian Urinary Bladder Survey, only 26% of men and women over the age of 40 with symptoms of urinary incontinence have discussed it with their doctor.2 We should be more open about bladder leakage, especially since most cases can be treated, managed or cured.

Bladder leakage can dramatically impact your daily life.

Aside from causing feelings of embarrassment, anger and frustration, bladder leaks can affect how we live our lives. Do you always have to know where the nearest washroom is when you go out? Are you nervous about picking up your grandchild because it might trigger an accident? You may worry about getting in the car in case you get stuck in traffic. You may avoid exercise, travel, going to the movies, social engagements with family and friends, or simple errands like grocery shopping out of fear of having an accident.

Bladder leakage can interfere with your sleep, your sex life and your relationship with your partner. It can cause wetness and odour, skin irritation, rashes and urinary tract infections. You may make decisions about what you wear so that you’re prepared for leaks. Always take a sweater with you to tie around your waist just in case? Do you opt for dark pants to disguise wetness? You are most definitely not alone.

It’s not too late to do something about it.

Don’t let bladder leaks hold you back! You don’t have to learn to live with them. With some lifestyle changes and the right tools, you can get back to enjoying your favourite activities!

Make sure to get regular exercise, including daily Kegels to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles (here’s how to get started on a fitness routine). Stay hydrated, eat a fibre-rich diet to prevent constipation and try to maintain your ideal weight. Avoiding or limiting triggers like alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and spicy foods will help to minimize the risk of a strong urge or a leak occurring. And be sure to talk to your doctor to see if there are other options that could work for your bladder leakage. You may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy, medication, injections or surgery.

The right absorbent product with the right fit can make a world of difference.

Absorbent products are a practical solution to bladder leakage, even if it’s only a temporary problem. You won’t have to worry about accidents happening at the wrong place and time (which they inevitably do) because you’ll be ready. Just think of the confidence that comes with knowing you’ll stay dry, protected, fresh and odour-free — along with the freedom to do the things you love.

Get a free trial kit at Depend.com to sample their best-selling products.

Test them out and find your perfect fit. Depend® is the #1 brand for bladder leakage protection in Canada, with a family of products that come in a variety of styles, absorbencies and colours for your best protection, both day and night. Plus, the entire line of products for women and products for men is protection and comfort guaranteed.*

*If you’re not completely satisfied with your Depend® Underwear, we can help. Original receipt/UPC required. Restrictions apply. See Depend website for details. Purchase by 12/31/24. Mail in by 1/31/25.

1 Kimberly Clark Global Incontinence Study. (2017).
2 The Canadian Continence Foundation. (2018). The source: Your guide to better bladder control. https://www.canadiancontinence.ca/EN/the-source-guide.php