Life’s More Fun Without Leaks
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BELIEVE IT: LIFE IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT LEAKS!
Navigating life is hard even in the best of times. But when you have to deal with leaks – whether they’re an occasional event or an everyday occurrence – things get far more difficult. Worrying about having accidents can limit the life you live, prevent you from doing things you enjoy, and keep you from spending time with the people you love.
That’s why the National Association For Continence developed our Life’s More Fun Without Leaks campaign. We developed this campaign to remind you that you don’t have to miss out on the best life has to offer just because you’re dealing with incontinence.
We want you to understand that a life without leaks is possible. There’s a whole range of proven, effective treatments available right now – some you can do on your own, others that take the help of a physician or physical therapist.
So, are you ready to see what your Life Without Leaks looks like?
Next, watch the videos below, read the stories, take our poll and download some of our informational brochures below to see how others are living their best lives and to learn how you can do the same.
Explore more of our site to learn all that you can about the treatments and tips to help you eliminate bladder leaks.
Finally, be sure to follow us on social media and do your part to raise awareness of incontinence and bladder health conditions by liking and sharing our posts, videos and stories.
Let’s Get Social!
Click the social media icons below to stay up-to-date with the NAFC, and make sure to like and share our posts to help spread the word far and wide.
hear the VOICES OF INCONTINENCE
Lauren’s Story
Alan’s Story
KELSEY’S Story
“I always used to think that a little bladder leakage was just a part of getting older. But when ‘a little’ started to turn into ‘a lot,’ I knew I needed to find help…” Click the video above to see how Lauren learned to live her life without leaks.
“There were a lot of changes I figured I might have to deal with when I had my prostate removed, but bladder leakage wasn’t one of them…” Click above to hear from Alan and learn how he managed his incontinence.
“There are so many wonderful, unexpected changes that you discover when you’re a new mother, but not every change is a welcome one…” Click the video above to hear how Kelsey changed her life for the better.
Patient Resources
RELATED ARTICLES
Ask The Expert: Can You Live Without a Bladder?
Are you or someone you love scheduled for bladder removal surgery (cystectomy)? While it can be a surprise to find out you’ll need a cystectomy, whether partial or radical, know that you aren’t alone.
In fact, bladder cancer is listed among the top 10 most diagnosed cancers worldwide.
We sat down with Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC, CSE, IF, MSCP, HAES, to ask whether you can live without a bladder, how long you can live without one, why you might need a cystectomy, and more.
Showing incontinence who’s the boss in the workplace
Managing urinary incontinence is challenging enough, but bladder leaks, sudden urgency and frequent trips to the restroom can be especially stressful when you’re trying to get through a busy workday.
In this episode, we share practical strategies for managing bladder symptoms on the job, whether you’re commuting to an office, sitting through a long meeting, working from home or navigating a packed schedule. We’ll talk about bladder training and bathroom planning, hydration and potential bladder triggers, keeping a bladder diary, preparing for unexpected leaks, choosing incontinence products, staying active and more.
Why Bladder Health Matters More as We Age
Aging and the Bladder: What Changes?
As we grow older, the urinary system naturally undergoes changes that can affect bladder function.
Common age-related changes include:
Reduced bladder capacity
Increased bladder sensitivity
Changes in pelvic floor muscle strength
Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause
Enlarged prostate in men
Increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders
These changes can contribute to symptoms such as:
Urinary urgency
Frequent urination
Overactive bladder (OAB)
Urinary incontinence
Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
While these symptoms become more common with age, they should never be viewed as something people simply have to live with.
The Hidden Connection Between Bladder Problems and Falls
One of the most overlooked consequences of bladder symptoms in older adults is an increased risk of falling.
Many falls occur during urgent trips to the bathroom, particularly at night. An individual may wake suddenly with a strong urge to urinate, rush through a dark room, become dizzy when standing, or trip over furniture, rugs, or other obstacles.
Research has shown that urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia are associated with a higher risk of falls and fractures in older adults.
For seniors, a fall can have life-changing consequences, including:
Broken bones
Head injuries
Hospitalization
Loss of independence
Reduced mobility
Increased risk of future falls
In many cases, addressing bladder symptoms can be an important part of a comprehensive fall-prevention strategy.
How Nocturia Impacts Healthy Aging
Waking multiple times each night to urinate is more than a sleep disturbance.
Nocturia can contribute to:
Daytime fatigue
Reduced concentration
Memory difficulties
Mood changes
Increased fall risk
Lower overall quality of life
Older adults who experience frequent nighttime bathroom trips often report feeling less energetic and less able to participate in activities they enjoy.
Protecting sleep is an important part of protecting overall health.
The Emotional Impact of Bladder Leaks
Many older adults quietly manage bladder leakage without discussing it with family members or healthcare providers.
Unfortunately, untreated bladder symptoms can lead to:
Social withdrawal
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced physical activity
Fear of leaving home
Loss of confidence
Some people stop exercising, traveling, attending social events, or spending time with friends because they worry about finding a bathroom or experiencing leakage in public.
The result can be a cycle of isolation that negatively affects both physical and mental health.
Healthy Aging Includes Bladder Health
The good news is that many bladder conditions can be improved or successfully managed.
Treatment options may include:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control and reduce leakage.
Bladder Training
Scheduled voiding and urge-suppression techniques may help reduce urgency and frequency.
Lifestyle Modifications
Small changes can make a meaningful difference, including:
Managing constipation
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting bladder irritants when appropriate
Staying physically active
Monitoring fluid intake patterns
Medical Treatments
Depending on the cause of symptoms, treatment options may include:
Medications
Neuromodulation therapies
Vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women
Prostate treatments for men
Surgical interventions in select cases
Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults with Bladder Symptoms
If urgency or nighttime bathroom trips are a concern, consider these safety measures:
Keep pathways clear of clutter
Use nightlights between the bedroom and bathroom
Wear supportive, non-slip footwear
Install grab bars when appropriate
Rise slowly from bed to avoid dizziness
Discuss medications with your healthcare provider
Seek evaluation for persistent bladder symptoms
Addressing both bladder health and home safety can significantly reduce fall risk.
A Conversation Worth Having
Too often, people assume bladder leakage is simply the price of getting older. The reality is that while bladder problems become more common with age, they are not an inevitable part of aging.
National Senior Citizens Day reminds us that healthy aging means more than managing chronic diseases—it means preserving independence, confidence, mobility, and quality of life.
If bladder symptoms are interfering with sleep, daily activities, or peace of mind, don’t ignore them. Talk with a healthcare provider and explore your options. Effective treatments and management strategies are available.
Because aging well isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to those years.
Ask The Expert: Can You Live Without a Bladder?
Are you or someone you love scheduled for bladder removal surgery (cystectomy)? While it can be a surprise to find out you’ll need a cystectomy, whether partial or radical, know that you aren’t alone.
In fact, bladder cancer is listed among the top 10 most diagnosed cancers worldwide.
We sat down with Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC, CSE, IF, MSCP, HAES, to ask whether you can live without a bladder, how long you can live without one, why you might need a cystectomy, and more.
