7 Myths You May Have Heard About Bladder Health

Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths - and the real truth we all need to know for better bladder health.

1. The bladder is sterile

For yonks, we’ve believed that the bladder is sterile - but more recent research has shown that isn’t the case. In fact, the bladder actually has its own microbiome, called the ‘urobiome’ - similar to our gut. When the microbiome is healthy, it helps to keep everything in balance. When the bacteria balance is disrupted by issues such as menopause, antibiotics, dehydration and hormone changes then it can lead to problems such as recurrent infections. 

Focusing on supporting the microbiome by staying hydrated,, eating a fibre-rich diet, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use can help. 

2. Leaks are a natural part of ageing

You’ll no doubt have heard that leaks are part and parcel of getting older - but this isn’t true. While hormone changes during menopause, pregnancy and childbirth and menopause can make leaks more likely, they aren’t inevitable. 

A strong pelvic floor is key to good bladder control, and issues like stress incontinence (leaking when we cough, sneeze, or laugh) can often be improved with pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes, and even supplements such as Jude’s Bladder Control are designed to support bladder health and improve the pelvic floor. 

3. Just-in-case wees will stop leaks when out and about

We’ll bet that as you grew up you were encouraged to go to the loo before setting off for a journey. The ‘just-in-case wee’ is something we grow up believing is a good tactic to managing our bladder health. 

But while this seems like a sensible way to prevent accidents, it can actually train our bladder to empty too frequently and create ‘triggers’ where we get the urge to pee (similar to 'latchkey incontinence’).

The bladder is designed to hold a reasonable amount of urine before signalling that it’s time to go, and constantly emptying it when it’s not full can disrupt this natural process. Instead, always wait until you really need to go - unless there’s a specific medical reason to do otherwise.

4. Drinking less will reduce dashes for the loo

If you feel like you are always rushing to the loo, it’s tempting to cut back on drinks in order to mitigate the urgency to pee. Unfortunately, this can make things worse - not better! When we drink too little, our urine becomes more concentrated, which can irritate the bladder and lead to more frequent urges.

Dehydration can also contribute to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which bring their own set of problems. Instead of cutting back, aim for steady hydration throughout the day, with plenty of water and bladder-friendly drinks like herbal teas.

5. There’s no cure for incontinence

Incontinence can feel frustrating and embarrassing, especially if you experience leaks. But it’s not something we just have to ‘put up with’. Depending on the cause, there are plenty of treatment options, from pelvic floor exercises and bladder training to physiotherapy, medication, and even surgery in more severe cases. 

Supplementation can also be a natural alternative to medication for urge and stress incontinence. Jude’s Bladder Control Supplements support better bladder function, helping to strengthen the muscles that control leaks. If incontinence is affecting your daily life, it’s always worth speaking to a healthcare professional to explore the best treatment options.

6. Only childbirth weakens the pelvic floor

While pregnancy and childbirth can put a lot of strain on the pelvic floor, they’re not the only reasons it might weaken. Ageing, menopause, high-impact exercise, chronic constipation, and even poor posture can all contribute to pelvic floor weakness. 

This is why it’s important for all of us - whether we’ve had children or not - to take care of our pelvic floor muscles. Regular pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels), alongside core-strengthening activities like Pilates or yoga, can help to keep these muscles strong and supportive.

7. UTIs are always caused by poor hygiene

UTIs are incredibly common, but they’re not always down to hygiene issues. While good hygiene is important, things like hormonal changes, dehydration, sex, and even stress can all play a role in causing infections. 

Unfortunately, some of us are simply more prone to UTIs due to the natural balance of bacteria in our bladder and urinary tract. To reduce the risk, it helps to stay hydrated, avoid holding in urine for too long, and consider bladder-friendly supplements if infections keep returning as this can be a sign of a further issue, such as chronic UTI, or painful bladder.