The UK’s Silent Issue: Why Are We Seeing a Rise in Incontinence?
New data from Google Trends reveals that UK searches for “bladder incontinence” have reached their highest levels on record in 2025, signalling rising public concern over a health issue that’s still rarely talked about.
Despite the growing interest, bladder health remains one of the last taboos in women’s health, with few resources, little public education, and almost no mention in workplace wellbeing policies.
That silence comes at a cost. Research from women’s health brand Jude estimates that bladder-related issues cost the UK economy over £2 billion each year, with 3.5 million workdays lost annually to symptoms like urgency, incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Now Jude’s in-house medical expert, Dr Masarat Jilani, is urging people not to ignore the early signs and to understand what’s worth checking out.
What should you be looking for?
Bladder issues affect an estimated 1 in 3 women in the UK, yet many people struggle to recognise the symptoms or feel too embarrassed to bring them up.
According to Dr Masarat Jilani, in-house medical expert at Jude, it’s time we started treating our bladders with the same care and attention we give the rest of our health.
Here, she outlines five key signs that your bladder may be trying to tell you something and why it’s okay (and important) to speak up about them:
You’re weeing more than eight times a day
Everyone’s bladder is different, but a healthy adult typically urinates between 6–8 times in a 24-hour period. If you find yourself going more than that, and this is unusual for you and if it’s disrupting your usual routine, it could be a sign of overactive bladder or bladder lining irritation.
Dr Jilani says:
“Needing to wee constantly isn’t just annoying, it may point to an underlying issue with bladder control, fluid absorption, or even your nervous system. Keeping a bladder diary for a few days can help identify patterns worth discussing with a GP.”
You feel sudden, intense urges to wee even when your bladder isn’t full
This is one of the hallmark signs of urgency incontinence or overactive bladder syndrome. It’s that overwhelming ‘need to go NOW’ feeling, often with very little warning and sometimes without a full bladder.
Dr Jilani says:
“Many people describe it as panic-inducing. It can make social situations, commuting, or even just going for a walk feel risky and people often start planning their whole lives around toilet access. This condition can be caused by neurological conditions, behavioural habits , or postmenopausal changes, and can be common in women over 40.”
You leak urine when you laugh, sneeze or exercise
Known as stress incontinence, this happens when sudden pressure is put on the bladder: during a cough, a laugh, or even a gym session.
It’s particularly common after childbirth, during menopause, or if your pelvic floor muscles have weakened for any reason.
Dr Jilani says:
“It might be common, but it’s not ‘just part of getting older’. Leaks can be treated through physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, or medical options. But only if we tackle the stigma and encourage women to seek help.”
You frequently get urinary tract infections (UTIs)
If you’ve had more than two UTIs in six months, or three in a year, it’s worth digging deeper. Recurrent infections can lead to chronic bladder inflammation, pain, and long-term complications, including increased sensitivity, urgency, and discomfort.
Dr Jilani says:
“Some people treat UTIs as just an occasional nuisance, but frequent flare-ups can do lasting damage. For some women, especially after menopause, they experience a constant cycle of discomfort and antibiotics. However, there are preventative options (including hydration support and hormone-based treatments), but it starts with speaking to your doctor .”
You feel anxious or embarrassed about your bladder
Whether it’s skipping social events, avoiding certain clothes, or feeling scared to travel without knowing where the toilets are, your mental and emotional response is just as important as any physical symptom.
Dr Jilani says:
“When bladder issues affect your confidence, independence or quality of life, that’s a health issue in itself. Shame shouldn’t be a barrier to getting help. You deserve support, not silence.”