Bladder health
What is a bladder?
Your bladder is an organ where urine (wee) is stored until you are ready to go to the toilet.
Your brain sends messages to your bladder to let it know when it is full and needs to be emptied.
When you go to the toilet your pelvic floor muscles (the muscles that control bladder movement) relax and your bladder muscle contracts (squeezes) to empty your bladder.
Benefits of good bladder health
Good bladder health is important for people of all ages.
Learning good habits can help you control your bladder and feel more comfortable when your bladder fills up.
Poor bladder habits can lead to poor bladder control and even wetting yourself by accident (incontinence).
How to keep your bladder healthy
There are easy steps everyone can take to keep a healthy bladder and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
The Continence Foundation of Australia (external link) is a nationwide group who promote bladder and bowel health.
Find out more about good bladder habits and pelvic floor muscle training by reading the fact sheets below:
Where to get help
- See your doctor
- See your physiotherapist
- Ring healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
Remember
- Your bladder is an organ that stores urine (wee).
- Good bladder health is important for people of all ages.
- Poor bladder habits can lead to poor bladder control and incontinence.
- Pelvic floor muscle training can help strengthen your bladder muscles.
Acknowledgements
King Edward Memorial Hospital – Women and Newborn Health Service Physiotherapy Department
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.