The Pelvic Floor Power Podcast Series
If you've ever crossed your legs to sneeze, this podcast is for you!
Living with bladder leaks can be frustrating, isolating, and overwhelming—but there are effective treatments that don’t involve medication or surgery. This expert-guided podcast series helps women understand pelvic floor therapy and how it can improve bladder control.
In this series you’ll learn:
- What pelvic floor physical therapy is and how it helps with bladder leaks
- Who pelvic floor therapy is right for, and when it’s recommended
- What actually happens during a pelvic floor therapy visit
- Common myths and misconceptions that prevent women from seeking care
- How to find a qualified pelvic floor therapist
- What to say when talking to your doctor about bladder control concerns
This podcast series has been brought to you by:
Episode 1
Do All Women Pee When They Sneeze?
Bladder leaks are common, but they aren’t inevitable. In this episode, Dr. Una Lee and Dr. Fenwa Milhouse explain what urinary incontinence is, why it occurs, and the various treatment options available. The conversation focuses on pelvic floor therapy as a first-line, non-surgical approach and helps listeners better understand why leaks occur and what can be done to improve bladder control.
Episode 2
Do You Really Need A Pelvic Floor Therapist?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is often recommended, but many women aren’t sure what a pelvic floor therapist actually does. In this episode, Dr. Una Lee and Dr. Stephanie Prendergast dive-deep into the world of pelvic floor muscle training, explore the role of pelvic floor therapists, how specialized training can lead to better outcomes, and what women can expect during therapy—helping demystify the process and reduce uncertainty about seeking care.
Episode 3
Why Does My Pelvic Floor Need Time On My Calendar Too?
Pelvic floor therapy takes time, practice, and consistency to be effective. In this episode, Dr. Una Lee chats with Dr. Sara Reardon to discuss who benefits from pelvic floor muscle training, why starting early and staying committed to treatment matters, how progress builds over time, practical tips to overcome obstacles, and why making pelvic floor health a regular priority can lead to lasting improvements in bladder control.
Episode 4
How Do I Return To Fitness With Urine Leaks?
Many women do everything they’re “supposed” to do to strengthen their pelvic floor and still experience leaks during exercise. In this episode of the Pelvic Floor Power podcast, urologist Dr. Una Lee and pelvic health physical therapist Julie Wiebe explore why this happens and what actually helps. They discuss how the pelvic floor works during movement, why leaks can be a signal—not a failure—and how women can safely return to the activities they love with more confidence and control.
Episode 5
Leaking The Truth About Pelvic Floor Muscle Training - A Patient's Voice
What is pelvic floor physical therapy really like — and why does it take time to work? In this episode, a patient shares her honest experience starting pelvic floor PT, including the emotional hurdles, the importance of realistic expectations, and the small “signposts” of progress that build hope. If you’ve ever felt discouraged or unsure about getting started, this conversation is for you.
Latest 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.
This brochure was funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EASI-38989). The statements presented in this brochure are solely the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute® (PCORI®), its Board of Governors or Methodology Committee.
