Struggling with bladder symptoms? Here's what you need to know

Written by Hannah Gray, Women's and Men's Health Specialist Physiotherapist.
Medically reviewed by James Walker, Service Development Director & Senior Physiotherapist, on 14/09/26.

Bladder symptoms, including urgency, frequency and urine leakage, are very common. NHS England estimates that 14 million people of all ages in the UK are living with bladder problems [1]. They are also more treatable than most people expect. With the right understanding and support, many people improve their symptoms and feel more comfortable and in control.

These symptoms can be frustrating and difficult to manage. They can affect confidence, sleep and daily routines, and they are rarely talked about, which is often why they go unassessed for years.

Understanding bladder symptoms

There are different types of bladder problem, including bothersome symptoms and urinary incontinence (leakage).

What is an overactive bladder?

Both men and women can experience an overactive bladder (OAB). Typical symptoms include:

• A sudden urge to pass urine (urgency)
• Passing urine frequently in the daytime
• Waking up at night to pass urine

In some cases, the bladder becomes more sensitive and signals the need to empty even when it is not full. This can feel like a strong, urgent need to pass urine.

In other cases, the bladder becomes overactive and contracts as it fills, rather than relaxing. This can lead to urgency along with, sometimes, urine leakage (urge urinary incontinence).

What else causes bladder urgency?

Bladder urgency can also be linked to:

• Bladder or urine infections
• Prostate problems, including enlargement
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes, such as during peri/menopause
• Neurological conditions
• Medication side effects

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is when you leak urine accidentally. There are several types, and understanding which one you are experiencing can help guide treatment.

Factors that may increase the likelihood of incontinence include:

• Pregnancy and vaginal birth
• Prostate problems
• Obesity
• Family history
• Increasing age, although this is not an inevitable part of ageing

What are the types of urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence takes several forms, each with symptoms that can affect your life and confidence.

Stress urinary incontinence

Leakage happens when the bladder is under pressure from coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting or exercising.

Urge urinary incontinence

A sudden, strong urge to pass urine leads to leakage before reaching the toilet. Some people notice symptoms worsening when approaching home, upon unlocking the front door, or upon hearing running water.

Functional urinary incontinence

Leakage occurs when it is difficult to reach the toilet in good time due to physical, cognitive or environmental barriers. This is often linked to a neurological condition, and we cover it in more detail in our article on managing neurological bladder and bowel symptoms.

Mixed urinary incontinence

This is when you have both stress and urge incontinence. One type of symptom may be more noticeable than the other.

Bladder overflow

Bladder overflow is a condition in which the bladder does not empty properly, leading to urine building up and leaking. Symptoms may include:

• Constant dribbling
• A strong urge to pass urine, but difficulty doing so
• Passing very little or no urine over time

In male patients, prostate problems are a common cause of urinary retention. In female patients, pelvic organ prolapse or uterine fibroids can be a risk factor for urinary retention.

Multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, nerve problems, medication and chronic constipation can also cause the condition.

Acute urinary retention can cause severe lower abdominal pain and requires urgent care. If you suddenly find you cannot pass urine at all, seek urgent medical attention rather than waiting for a physiotherapy appointment.

Simple ways to improve bladder symptoms

Many of the people we see find that a few general measures help with bladder control:

• Staying well hydrated. NHS guidance is to aim for 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day, and more may be needed in hot weather, during exercise or in pregnancy [2].
• Choosing fluids that are less likely to irritate the bladder, such as water or decaffeinated drinks.
• Avoiding constipation.
• Limiting foods and drinks containing artificial sweeteners.
• Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Our article on 5 tips for reducing leaks goes into the breathing, posture and technique side of this in detail.
• Reducing physical or environmental barriers to reaching the toilet.

How physiotherapy can help

Physiotherapy can be very effective in managing bladder symptoms, including urinary incontinence and overactive bladder.

A specialist physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and general health to understand what may be playing a role in your bladder problems. As part of your assessment, your physiotherapist may ask you to complete a bladder diary or fluid chart. In some cases, they may recommend an examination, which would be discussed with you first.

Treatment concentrates on practical, conservative approaches, including:

• Bladder retraining
• Pelvic floor muscle strengthening

If needed, your physiotherapist can liaise with your GP and guide you on follow-up actions in your care.

Get support from the White House Clinic

While bladder problems are common, you do not have to accept them as part of life. Given the right support, many people improve their symptoms, feel more confident and get back to doing things they enjoy.

Our women's health service runs at Sheffield West and Chesterfield; our men's health service runs at Chesterfield. Both are delivered by specialist pelvic health physiotherapists. For women's health at Sheffield West, ask to book in with Jackie Gibbon, Specialist Women's Health Physiotherapist; at Chesterfield, ask for Hannah Gray. You can read more about what an appointment involves on our women's health physiotherapy page.

If you are unsure which service you need, we would recommend being triaged by our team first. To find out more, or to arrange an appointment with a specialist men's or women's health physiotherapist, please call the White House Clinic on 0114 230 2030 or email info@whitehouse-clinic.co.uk.

This article is general information and not a substitute for individual assessment. Book an appointment or call 0114 230 2030 to speak to our team.

References

1. NHS England - Excellence in Continence Care: practical guidance for commissioners, and leaders in health and social care (June 2018), p.6: "14 million people of all ages in the UK are living with bladder problems"
2. NHS - Water, drinks and your health