Bladder Incontinence Myths

Myths and misconceptions about bladder health abound, especially those surrounding leakage after sneezing, surgery, and Kegels, the exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic-floor muscles. What follows are some of the most pervasive myths surrounding bladder health and the reason why they are just that misconceptions rather than truths.

Myth #1: If I start and stop my urine flow I will build better bladder muscles.

"Kegels are a good idea, but they shouldn't be done during urination," says Roger Goldberg, M.D., director of urogynecological research at the Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Evanston, Illinois. "Women who repeatedly stop and start their urine stream can develop overactive bladder."

Myth #2: A little leakage when I cough or sneeze is normal.

While it's true that leakage is common, "it's a misconception that bladder leakage is normal or inevitable," says Goldberg, who is also the author of Ever Since I Had My Baby: Understanding, Treating, and Preventing the Most Common Physical Aftereffects of Pregnancy and Childbirth. "At least 96 percent of women with stress incontinence can have their problem cured. It boils down to this is it bothersome to the point where it affects your quality of life? If so, there are many options for treatment."

Myth #3: Bladder leakages only happen to elderly people.

"Stress incontinence affects nearly 50 percent of women who have had children by the age of 40," says Goldberg. Both stress incontinence and overactive bladder are highly pervasive, he notes, even in younger women.

Myth #4: If I do Kegels, I won't have any problems, even when older.

"Every woman can benefit from Kegels, as stronger pelvic floor muscles decrease the risk of bladder leakage," he says. "But for many women, Kegels are not enough to control the problem; they need a backup."

Myth #5: You should always go to the bathroom when you first feel the urge "to go" who knows where the next clean bathroom might be?

"Going just in case is fine in certain situations, but for many women, doing this on a regular basis can increase the risk of overactive bladder, with its symptoms of urge, frequency, or accidents on the way to the bathroom," says Dr. Goldberg. "Spoiling your bladder this way can cause problems over the long run. It's better to void the normal amount, which is every three to four hours."

Myth #6: If I have a big problem with urinary incontinence, surgery is my best option.

"For some people, surgery is the best option, but it's not the best choice for everyone," Goldberg says. "It's best to start with an accurate diagnosis in order to rule out other causes of incontinence. In severe cases, however, surgery can be the best option, but it depends on the results of bladder testing."

Myth #7: I am the only woman in my 20's, 30's or 40's who has this problem.

As stated before, both stress incontinence and overactive bladder are highly pervasive, even in younger women, Goldberg notes.

Myth #8: Pelvic exercises are useful only if you have bladder issues.

"There are lots of reasons to do Kegels, including maintaining pelvic tone and pelvic health," he says. "In addition, strengthening the pelvic-floor muscles can improve sex and help you avoid pelvic prolapse [a condition where the pelvic organs drop out of position]."

For more information about bladder-health myths, consult your physician.