Ovarian Cancer & Bladder Leaks: What You Need to Know.

Did you know that ovarian cancer can sometimes lead to bladder leaks?

Ovarian cancer is a silent and often aggressive disease affecting thousands of women worldwide. While symptoms like bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and fatigue are well known, there’s another effect that isn’t talked about as often - the impact on bladder health. Many women experience incontinence due to the ovarian cancer itself, treatments, or surgical interventions.  Understanding this connection can help those affected to find solutions and feel more confident in their daily lives.

Why Ovarian Cancer Can Lead to Incontinence

The treatment used for ovarian cancer can have a significant impact on the body, and, sometimes, causing unexpected side effects like bladder leaks. Here are a few reasons why bladder leaks might happen:

1. Surgical Side Effects
   Many women with ovarian cancer have surgery to remove their ovaries or uterus. These procedures can weaken the muscles that support the bladder, making it harder to stay in control.

2. Hormonal Changes
   Our bodies depend on estrogen to keep bladder tissues strong. Cancer treatments or cancer itself can cause a significant drop in estrogen levels, affecting the strength and elasticity of bladder tissues. This can lead to stress incontinence, where leaks happen when laughing, sneezing, or exercising.

3. Nerve Damage from Treatment.
   Radiation and chemotherapy can sometimes damage the nerves that help the bladder function properly. This may cause more frequent or sudden urges to go.

4. Pelvic Floor Changes: The pelvic floor muscles play a huge role in bladder control. After cancer treatment, these muscles can weaken, leading to leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise.

If any of this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone - many women experience similar changes. The good news? There are ways to manage it.

How to Manage Bladder Leaks After Cancer Treatment

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises.
   

   Strengthening your pelvic muscles can improve bladder control over time. (Think Kegels! They are the most well-known exercises for strengthening the pelvic floor.) If you’d like to learn more, check out our blog on Pelvic Floor & Muscle Exercises. For professional guidance, a pelvic health physiotherapist can help you perform the exercises correctly and tailor them to your needs.
   
   

2. Bladder Training
   

   If you feel like you constantly need to go, try training your bladder to hold on for longer and gradually reduce the number of trips to the bathroom. Some techniques that may help include:
   
   
   • Stopping and relaxing - take slow, deep breaths.
   • Applying perineal or vaginal pressure.
   • Crossing your legs to help control urgency.
   • Distracting yourself with an activity.
   
   

   Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. By practising different techniques, you will discover what works best for you.

3. Find The Right Products.

   Wearing comfortable, discreet, and absorbent products can make a huge difference in confidence. At Night n Day, we offer a wide range of washable and reusable incontinence solutions that suit different preferences and needs - from light incontinence underwear to moderate and heavy absorbency options.
   
   

4. Talk to Your Doctor.
   

   If incontinence is affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are medical treatments and therapies available that can improve bladder control.

Breaking the Silence

Cancer and incontinence are often difficult topics to discuss, but awareness is the first step in finding the right support and solutions. You don’t have to go through it alone. Let’s break the silence and support each other by talking openly! 

At Night n Day, we understand how important it is to feel comfortable and confident every day. That’s why we create high-quality, Australian-made incontinence products to help women live life without worry.

Have you or someone you know experienced bladder changes after cancer treatment? Share this blog to spread awareness and help others feel supported. For more information and donate, visit: OvarianCancer.net.au