NHS
Public health information, symptoms and treatment options. Start with the condition-specific links on these pages.
Continence information & supportYour life is bigger
Your life is bigger
than your bladder.
Leaks and toilet worries can affect confidence, work, relationships and getting out. You deserve support, not embarrassment.
Understanding bladder symptoms
Stress incontinence means leaking during things like coughing, laughing or exercise. Urge incontinence follows a sudden strong need to pee. Mixed incontinence combines both; overflow leakage can happen when the bladder does not empty fully.
Discuss leakage with a GP. Pregnancy and birth can be factors, and risk can increase with age, but leakage is not something you simply have to accept. A drinks and toilet diary can help assessment.
Treatment depends on the cause: supported pelvic-floor exercises, bladder training, tailored lifestyle changes, medicines or sometimes procedures. Ask for individual advice rather than assuming one exercise or product suits everyone.
Read more: NHS: types, causes and treatment of urinary incontinence
Bowel leakage, constipation & urgency
Bowel incontinence may mean stains, leakage, or not reaching the toilet in time. Constipation can cause overflow leakage; loose stools can also be involved. A clinician can help distinguish the cause.
See a GP for leakage or persistent changes in your usual bowel habits. Treatment may involve diet advice, medicines matched to the cause, bowel retraining or specialist care. Pads and skin protection can help day to day, alongside assessment.
Read more: NHS: bowel incontinence
Taking the first step
Tell your GP or continence service when symptoms began, what happens, how often, and how they affect you. Mention medicines, operations, pregnancy or birth, pain and other health conditions. Ask whether a continence nurse, pelvic-health physiotherapist or specialist referral would help.
Ask for advice suited to your circumstances, including menopause, prostate treatment, neurological conditions, disability or caring responsibilities. Do not stop prescribed medicines or drastically restrict drinks to avoid the toilet; discuss changes with your clinician.
More confidence, at your pace
- Plan toilet stops with the Loo Locator; mapped facilities and opening times should be checked where possible.
- Ask your care team about suitable continence products, skin care, clothing and toilet access.
- For work, travel or intimacy, explain what would make you comfortable. You choose what to share and with whom.
- If you support someone else, protect their privacy, listen to their preferences and avoid blame.
Bladder & Bowel UK also offers information on its Just Can’t Wait card. A card can help explain urgency, but does not guarantee toilet access.
Read more: Bladder & Bowel UK: support and toilet-access information
Good information. Real support.
ERIC
The children’s bowel and bladder charity: guidance for families, young people and schools.
ERIC’s helplineBladder & Bowel UK
Specialist bladder and bowel information for adults and children, with a confidential advice helpline.
These are a public health service and specialist support organisations signposted by the NHS. Linking does not imply they endorse LooStop; LooStop is not a medically accredited service.