Simple adjustments in daily habits can significantly influence the management of bladder symptoms:

• Diet: Reducing the intake of irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks while increasing the consumption of water and herbal teas can soothe bladder irritation.

• Bladder training: Gradually extending the time between bathroom visits can condition the bladder to hold urine longer, reducing urgency and frequency.

• Pelvic floor exercises: Regularly performing Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic muscles, supporting better bladder control.

• Absorbent products: Pads and liners can provide short-term relief by absorbing leaks, though they must be changed regularly to prevent odour and skin irritation.

When lifestyle changes are insufficient, medical treatments may be recommended, such as necessary:

• Medications: Various medications can be used to treat incontinence, depending on its underlying cause. For example, anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists can relax the muscles surrounding the bladder, which reduces the frequency of urination and the easing symptoms of urgency and incontinence.

• Botox: Botulinum toxin type A injections can be used to decrease bladder muscle contractions, providing relief from the symptoms of urge incontinence and an overactive bladder.

• Surgery: When other treatments are ineffective or unsuitable, surgical procedures may be recommended. These can include repairing or lifting the bladder. For severe cases, procedures like sacral nerve stimulation following a prolapse, augmentation cystoplasty, or it may be necessary to create a urinary diversion.

For those who need urgent bathroom access while out, consider carrying a Just Can’t Wait card. Additionally, obtaining a RADAR key allows access to locked public toilets around the UK, ensuring availability when needed most.

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Healthcare providers may utilise several tests:

• Urinalysis and kidney function tests: These tests assess overall kidney function and check for signs of disease that might affect bladder control.

• Post-void residual (PVR) test: Measures the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination.

• Urine culture: Identifies any infections that could be contributing to bladder control problems.

• Urodynamic testing: Evaluates the bladder’s ability to hold and release urine effectively.

• Bladder diary: Monitoring fluid intake and urination frequency helps identify patterns that may suggest underlying issues.

Hysterectomies, one of the most common surgeries among women, involve the removal of the uterus and sometimes other reproductive organs, which can significantly impact pelvic floor muscles and, consequently, bladder control:

Types: 

• Total hysterectomy involves removing the entire uterus including the cervix.

• Supracervical hysterectomy leaves the cervix in place. 

• Radical hysterectomy, used primarily for cancer treatment, removes the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues.

Reasons for surgery: Conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancer may require a hysterectomy. These conditions not only affect overall health but also impact bladder control, especially after surgery.

How HARTMANN Direct and MoliCare® incontinence products can help

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us and see how our incontinence pads or protective underwear, which are designed to absorb leaks and provide security and comfort discreetly, can help you to control your bladder. Additionally, our incontinence bed sheets can protect bedding and reduce laundry frequency if you are worried about leakages at night.

In conclusion, postoperative incontinence is often a temporary condition, but managing the loss of bladder control can be a stressful time. It is important to gain advice and support from healthcare professionals who can advise on the most effective way to manage your symptoms and recommend treatments if symptoms persist. Lifestyle adjustments to maintain overall bladder health can help to improve your chances of regaining control over your bladder faster. Remember, you are not alone; medical professionals, support groups, and continence products are available to help you manage your symptoms effectively.

Further reading:

• For information about changes in diet, especially for those over 50, try our guides on bladder cleansing foods, foods and drinks that irritate the bladder and bowels, as well as bladder-friendly drinks. You can even consult your healthcare professional about switching up your diet for better bladder control.

• Unfortunately, a common side effect of having cancer is losing control of the bladder - see our advice page on how you can handle incontinence after cancer.

• Find out how changes in a woman’s lifecycle, e.g., pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause, can aggravate bladder control issues and cause incontinence.

• Anxiety is commonly tied with losing bladder control - understand how anxiety affects your bladder and bowels, and can lead to stress indigestion symptoms.

Why can't I hold my pee all of a sudden?

Sudden difficulty in holding urine can be due to various reasons including recent surgery, urinary tract infections, bladder irritations, medication side effects, or neurological conditions affecting bladder control.

How long does urinary incontinence last after surgery?

The duration of urinary incontinence after surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery, the individual’s health and the effectiveness of post-surgery rehabilitation.

How do you regain bladder control after surgery?

Regaining bladder control after surgery can involve pelvic floor exercises, bladder training techniques, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, and gaining advice from a healthcare professional.

Does drinking more water help bladder leakage?

Drinking more water can actually help manage bladder leakage by diluting the concentration of irritants in the bladder. However, it’s important to balance fluid intake, as too much water can also increase the urge to urinate.