Dr Sarah Okonkwo runs a continence clinic in Birmingham two days a week. In her words: "I spend at least half of every appointment undoing myths patients have picked up from friends, the internet, or — honestly — things they half-heard years ago and never questioned." She is not alone. Across the UK, GPs and continence nurse specialists are seeing women arrive with treatable conditions that have been left to worsen for years, partly because of deeply held misconceptions about what female incontinence means, who gets it, and whether anything can actually be done. If you have ever leaked when you laughed, rushed to the loo more than eight times a day, or quietly started planning your life around toilet locations, this article is for you. Here are six myths that British GPs want you to stop believing — right now.
Myth 1: Incontinence is just something women have to put up with after childbirth or menopause
This is perhaps the most damaging myth of all, because it stops women from seeking help that genuinely exists. Incontinence is common, but it is not inevitable — and it is absolutely not something you must simply accept as the price of having had children or growing older.
According to NICE guideline CG171 on urinary incontinence in women, most cases of stress and urge incontinence respond well to supervised pelvic floor muscle training. The NHS recommends a minimum of three months of targeted exercises before other interventions are considered — and research consistently shows that women who complete a proper programme see significant or complete improvement in symptoms.
Bladder & Bowel UK notes that many women wait an average of six and a half years before speaking to a GP about bladder problems. Six and a half years of discomfort, anxiety, and restricted lives — for a condition that is very often treatable. Please do not be one of those women.
What to do: Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to a continence nurse specialist or pelvic health physiotherapist. You can also self-refer to NHS pelvic floor physiotherapy in many areas of England.
Myth 2: It only happens to older women
Female incontinence does not discriminate by age. Studies referenced by Bladder & Bowel UK suggest that around one in three women will experience urinary leakage at some point in their lives, and a significant proportion of those are in their twenties, thirties, and forties.
Stress urinary incontinence — the kind that causes leaks during a cough, sneeze, run, or jump — is particularly prevalent in younger women, including elite athletes and those who have never been pregnant. High-impact sports such as netball, gymnastics, and long-distance running place considerable downward pressure on the pelvic floor, and without proper training and support, the muscles can struggle to cope.
Pregnancy and childbirth are well-known risk factors, but so are factors that affect women of all ages: a chronic cough, constipation, being overweight, or simply having a pelvic floor that was never given much thought until something went wrong.
What to do: If you are leaking at any age, it warrants a conversation with your GP. Younger women are often the most responsive to pelvic floor rehabilitation because the muscles tend to have more plasticity. The sooner you address it, the better your prognosis.
Myth 3: Pelvic floor exercises do not really work
This myth usually originates from one of two places: either someone tried squeezing for a week and gave up, or — crucially — they were doing the exercises incorrectly without realising it.
NICE guidelines are unambiguous: supervised pelvic floor muscle training, performed correctly and consistently over at least three months, is a first-line treatment for both stress and mixed urinary incontinence. The emphasis on supervised is important. Research suggests that up to 30% of women who attempt pelvic floor exercises on their own are using the wrong muscles entirely — often bearing down rather than lifting up, which can actually worsen symptoms over time.
A continence nurse specialist or women's health physiotherapist can assess whether you are contracting the right muscles, identify any coordination issues, and design a programme tailored to your specific type of incontinence. This is an NHS-funded service in most areas.
What to do: Do not rely solely on a leaflet or a generic app. Ask your GP to refer you to an NHS pelvic floor physiotherapist, or contact Bladder & Bowel UK for guidance on finding specialist support near you.
Myth 4: You should cut back on fluid to reduce leaks
It feels logical: drink less, leak less. In practice, it is the opposite of what the NHS advises — and it can actively make bladder problems worse.
When you restrict fluids, your urine becomes more concentrated. Concentrated urine is a known irritant to the bladder lining, which means it can trigger more frequent and more urgent signals to void, even when the bladder is not particularly full. Over time, the bladder can also develop a smaller functional capacity if it is rarely allowed to fill properly.
The NHS recommends drinking six to eight cups of fluid per day — approximately 1.5 to 2 litres. Water and diluted squash are ideal. What is worth reducing is caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola, and energy drinks), alcohol, and fizzy drinks, all of which are recognised bladder irritants that can exacerbate both urgency and leakage.
What to do: Aim for pale straw-coloured urine as a guide to hydration. If you find yourself going to the loo more than eight times in 24 hours, or waking more than once at night, speak to your GP — this pattern may indicate overactive bladder, which is treatable.
Myth 5: Surgery is the only real solution
Surgical options do exist for certain types of incontinence, and in some cases they can be highly effective. But the idea that surgery is the only meaningful treatment — or that non-surgical approaches are merely temporary plasters — is simply not supported by clinical evidence.
NICE guidelines set out a clear hierarchy of conservative treatments that should be offered before surgery is considered, including: pelvic floor muscle training, bladder training (for urgency and urge incontinence), lifestyle modifications, and, where appropriate, medication such as anticholinergics or mirabegron for overactive bladder.
Many women achieve excellent, long-term symptom control through these approaches alone. Surgical interventions such as colposuspension carry their own risks and recovery periods, and they are most appropriate when conservative measures have been given a proper trial and have not provided sufficient improvement.
It is also worth noting that mesh procedures — once commonly used for stress incontinence — have been the subject of significant clinical review in the UK following concerns about complications. The NHS now offers a range of mesh-free surgical alternatives, but this conversation should always happen with a specialist urogynaecologist, not as a first port of call.
What to do: If a GP or specialist moves straight to discussing surgery without first offering conservative options, ask specifically about pelvic floor physiotherapy and bladder training. You are entitled to a full discussion of all available treatments.
Myth 6: It is too embarrassing to discuss with a GP — they will not take it seriously
This myth, perhaps more than any other, has real human cost. Many women delay seeking help for years because they feel embarrassed, fear being dismissed, or assume that leaking is so common it does not qualify as a medical concern worth raising.
Your GP has heard it all before. Urinary incontinence affects millions of women across the UK — it is one of the most common conditions seen in primary care, and GPs receive specific training in assessing and managing it. There is no need to minimise your symptoms or apologise for raising them. You do not need to be "bad enough" to deserve support.
Bladder & Bowel UK offers a confidential helpline and a wealth of resources to help you prepare for a GP appointment, including symptom diaries you can complete in advance. Having two or three days of notes on how often you void, when leaks occur, and how much fluid you are drinking can make a first appointment significantly more productive.
If you find it difficult to raise the subject face to face, it is perfectly acceptable to write it down and hand the note to your GP, or to message through your surgery's online consultation system. The method matters far less than making the appointment in the first place.
What to do: If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from your GP, ask for a referral to a continence nurse specialist or urogynaecology clinic. You can also call NHS 111 for initial guidance, or visit the Bladder & Bowel UK website for self-help resources while you wait for an appointment.
Managing day-to-day while you seek treatment
Getting the right clinical support takes time — referral waiting lists, appointments, and rehabilitation programmes all unfold over weeks and months. In the meantime, having practical, reliable protection matters enormously for dignity and confidence.
Orykas UK designs washable incontinence knickers specifically for British women who want discreet, comfortable, and sustainable protection without the bulk and environmental cost of single-use pads. All Orykas garments are made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified bamboo fibre, which is naturally moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Women's Washable Incontinence Pants for Heavy Leakage — designed for heavier bladder leakage with a substantial absorbent gusset that lies flat under clothing
- Women's High-Waisted Washable Incontinence Pants — a full-coverage cut that provides additional abdominal support, popular with women post-surgery or post-partum
- Women's Lace-Waistband Washable Incontinence Pants — the same absorbent technology in a more feminine everyday style, because there is no reason protection cannot also feel good to wear
All styles are machine-washable at 40°C and built to last two to three years with regular use, making them far more cost-effective than disposable products over time. Importantly, if you have been diagnosed with chronic incontinence, you may be eligible for UK VAT relief on these products under HMRC's disability-products scheme — meaning you pay no VAT at checkout when you declare your condition. Details are available on the Orykas website at the point of purchase.
Related Orykas UK Advice
- Urinary incontinence in women: natural treatment, what really works
- Urinary Leaks in Women: Causes, Types, and When to See a Doctor
- How to stop urinary leaks in women: complete solutions
- Urinary protection for women: complete 2026 guide
Frequently asked questions
Is female incontinence covered by the NHS?
Yes. Assessment, diagnosis, and many treatments for urinary incontinence are available on the NHS at no cost to you. This includes referral to a continence nurse specialist, pelvic floor physiotherapy, bladder training programmes, and, where clinically appropriate, medication or surgical procedures. Start by booking an appointment with your GP, who can refer you through the appropriate pathway in your area.
How do I know whether I have stress incontinence or urge incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence typically causes leaks during physical activity — coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, or lifting. Urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate that is difficult to defer, sometimes resulting in leakage before you reach the toilet. Many women have a combination of both, known as mixed incontinence. A GP or continence nurse specialist can help identify your type through a symptom assessment and, if needed, a bladder diary or further tests. The distinction matters because treatments differ.
Can I refer myself to a pelvic floor physiotherapist without seeing my GP first?
In many parts of England, you can self-refer to NHS pelvic health physiotherapy services without a GP referral. Availability varies by region. Search for your local NHS pelvic health service, or ask your GP surgery whether direct self-referral is available in your area. If you prefer to go privately, ensure you choose a physiotherapist with specialist training in women's health or urogynaecology, and check that they are registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Are washable incontinence knickers as effective as disposable pads?
For light to moderate leakage, high-quality washable incontinence knickers — particularly those with integrated bamboo-fibre absorbent layers — offer comparable protection to many single-use products, with the added benefits of comfort, breathability, and long-term cost savings. For heavier leakage, specific styles designed for that purpose, such as the Orykas Women's Washable Incontinence Pants for Heavy Leakage, provide a greater degree of absorbency. Washable options are also considerably better for the environment and, with VAT relief available for those with chronic incontinence, often more affordable than ongoing disposable purchases.
When should I contact NHS 111 rather than waiting for a GP appointment about bladder problems?
Most bladder issues are non-urgent and can wait for a routine GP appointment. However, contact NHS 111 promptly if you experience: sudden onset of urinary incontinence with no obvious cause (particularly after a fall or accident), incontinence accompanied by back or loin pain and fever (which may indicate a kidney infection), blood in your urine without an obvious cause, or if you are suddenly unable to urinate at all. These symptoms may require prompt assessment.
Sources and further information: NHS (nhs.uk) — Urinary incontinence guidance; NICE Guideline CG171 — Urinary incontinence in women: management (updated 2019); Bladder & Bowel UK (bladderandbowel.org) — patient resources and continence support. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual symptoms and treatment options.
Share:
Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery: The NHS Timeline British Mums Need
Nighttime Incontinence in Women: Why It Happens and How British Women Manage It