Let’s be honest: bladder leaks aren’t anyone’s favourite topic. But the truth is, incontinence is incredibly common, especially as we age, and it’s often more manageable than people realise.
At Radius Shop, we’re all about giving you the confidence to get on with living. That means providing practical advice and products that make life easier, not more complicated.
What is incontinence?
Incontinence is when you lose control over your bladder – and yep, it’s more common than you’d think. In New Zealand, around 1 in 4 adults experience some form of bladder leakage, with about 400,000 people affected.
Key causes of incontinence
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Ageing: As we age, muscles around the bladder and pelvic floor weaken, making control more difficult.
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Pregnancy and Childbirth: Women, in particular, can experience changes due to childbirth.
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Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders can affect bladder control.
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Medications: Some medications can have side effects that affect bladder function.
A few facts
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One in three women over the age of 50 in New Zealand experience incontinence.
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Men are also affected, with around 10% of New Zealand men over 65 dealing with incontinence.
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Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises have been shown to reduce symptoms in up to 70% of people.
Why pelvic floor exercises matter
Think of your pelvic floor like a little sling of muscles that support your bladder and bowel. When they’re strong, they help keep everything where it’s supposed to be. When they’re weak? That’s when leaks can happen.
The exercises themselves are simple once you know how, and when done regularly, they can seriously improve control and reduce leakage.
Why should you speak to a professional or healthcare provider?
Pelvic floor exercises are safe for most people, but it’s a good idea to check in with your GP, physio, or continence nurse before starting – especially if you’ve got other health conditions going on.
To help you feel more prepared (and confident about being heard), we’ve created a printable bladder diary. It’s a simple tool that lets you track what’s happening – when you go, how much, and any leaks – so you can walk into your appointment with clear info and say: “Here’s what I’ve noticed.”
Bringing this along can help your doctor see the full picture and give you the support and treatment you need. Because incontinence might be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to just live with it.
Helpful Resources
To get started, take a look at these helpful videos:
Pelvic floor training for women
Practical products to help manage incontinence
Exercises are a great tool, but there’s no shame in needing a little extra support while you work on your strength. That’s where our incontinence products come in. From pads and pants to bed protection and bathroom aids, our range is designed to be practical, comfortable, and discreet.
There are various treatments and solutions available that can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
And remember: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to “just live with it.” Talk to your doctor. There are lots of ways to feel more confident and comfortable – and we’re here to help you find them.
