Why Can't I Control My Bladder?
Urinary Incontinence in Women: Why You Can’t Control Your Bladder and What to Do About It
Do you leak when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of women suffer from urinary incontinence — and while it’s common, it’s not something you have to live with.
At Revive PT & Pilates in Encinitas, we help women over 40 (and beyond) overcome bladder leaks, pelvic floor dysfunction, and painful pelvic conditions so they can live active, confident, and joyful lives again.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
The causes of urinary incontinence in women
The different types of bladder leakage
The most effective treatments (that actually work)
How to know when it’s time to see a pelvic floor physical therapist
Living With Bladder Leaks: The Hidden Struggle
For many women, something as simple as laughing with friends or going for a run can trigger bladder leaks. Over time, the fear of embarrassment can cause you to avoid activities you love — sports, brunch with girlfriends, intimacy with your partner — leaving you anxious, isolated, and frustrated.
If this is your reality, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Urinary incontinence is not just “part of being a woman” or “something you must live with as you age.” There are solutions.
What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, leading to leaks of varying severity. While it can happen at any age, it’s most common:
After childbirth
During perimenopause and menopause
In women with weakened or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles
It’s a medical condition, not just a lifestyle inconvenience. And the good news? It’s treatable.
Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence
If you struggle to control your bladder, you may notice:
Leaking urine when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise
A sudden, urgent need to urinate that results in leakage
Frequent bathroom trips (more than 8 times in 24 hours)
Bedwetting or nighttime leakage
Spasms or discomfort in the pelvic region
Causes of Loss of Bladder Control
The most common causes of urinary incontinence in women include:
Pelvic floor dysfunction – weak or uncoordinated muscles that don’t activate properly
Pregnancy and childbirth – stretching and straining of pelvic tissues
Menopause – hormonal changes that weaken the pelvic floor
Nerve issues – poor communication between the bladder, urethra, and brain
Increased pressure – from weight gain, chronic constipation, or heavy lifting
Lifestyle triggers – excessive caffeine, smoking, or certain medications
The 4 Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress Incontinence – Leakage during laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercise due to weak pelvic floor muscles.
Urge Incontinence (Overactive Bladder) – Sudden, intense urges to urinate, often with little warning.
Overflow Incontinence – Continuous dribbling because the bladder never fully empties.
Total Incontinence – Complete loss of bladder control.
Many women experience a combination of these types.
Treatments for Urinary Incontinence in Women
The most effective treatments address the root cause, not just the symptoms. Common approaches include:
1. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
Targeted strengthening and relaxation techniques for the pelvic floor muscles. These must be taught correctly to avoid worsening symptoms.
2. Bladder Retraining
Gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to reduce urgency and improve bladder control.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
Reducing caffeine and alcohol
Managing weight
Stopping smoking
Treating chronic constipation
4. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
The #1 most effective treatment for urinary incontinence. A pelvic floor PT can assess your movement, muscle activation, and breathing patterns to retrain your core and pelvic floor for long-term results.
At Revive PT & Pilates, we combine pelvic floor physical therapy with therapeutic Pilates to restore strength, function, and confidence.
Why Choose Revive PT & Pilates in Encinitas?
We’re more than a Pilates studio. We are a Women’s Health and Wellness Center specializing in:
Urinary incontinence treatment
Pelvic organ prolapse care
Postnatal recovery (including diastasis recti and back pain)
Painful sex and intimacy issues
Perimenopause and menopause transitions
Our mission is simple: to help women thrive, not just survive.
Don’t Suffer in Silence — Get Help Today
Bladder leaks are common, but they are not normal. You don’t have to live with embarrassment, frustration, or fear. With the right help, you can regain control, restore confidence, and return to the active life you love.
👉 That’s why we offer a free 30-minute Discovery Call at Revive PT & Pilates in Encinitas.
During your complimentary session, you’ll:
✔ Talk with a Women’s Health Specialist about your symptoms
✔ Get answers to your personal questions in a safe, supportive space
✔ Learn about proven treatment options for lasting relief
Click here to book your free Discovery Call today — and take the first step toward freedom from urinary incontinence.
Living with a weak bladder is inconvenient and distressing. If you are continuously leaking urine when you do things like laugh, cough, jump, or sneeze, or you can't seem to control your urine flow, you don't have to live with it. Urinary incontinence is a widespread problem. Women suffer from it at all ages – most likely after childbirth or during perimenopause and menopause. But it can happen at any age and when you haven't had children. It's certainly not limited to women from retirement age and onwards. This assumption is a common misconception.But the good news is we can treat it at any age. You don't have to suffer in silence. There are medical reasons for your loss of bladder control. Here's a clear, simple explanation for why you can't control your bladder and the range of treatments available.
