Why You Might Be Leaking Urine Into Your Underwear (And What You Can Do About It)

Let’s talk about something 1 in 3 Australian women are navigating—light bladder leakage. It’s more common than most people realise, yet it’s rarely discussed openly. If you’ve found yourself experiencing little leaks during the day—maybe while laughing, sneezing, or jogging—you’re not alone. And it doesn’t mean something is "wrong" with you. It means you have a body. And that body deserves care, not shame.

What is light bladder leakage?

Light bladder leakage (LBL) refers to the involuntary release of small amounts of urine. It’s often triggered by pressure on the bladder (think coughing, laughing, lifting something heavy), but can also happen due to a sudden urge to urinate or weakened pelvic floor muscles.

LBL is particularly common during and after pregnancy, around perimenopause, and with ageing—but it can happen at any stage of life. Hormonal shifts, pelvic floor stress, and even high-impact exercise can contribute.

So… why is this happening?

There are a few reasons you might be experiencing LBL:

• Postpartum recovery: Pregnancy and childbirth put significant strain on pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder. It takes time to rebuild strength and control.
• Perimenopause and menopause: As oestrogen levels drop, the tissues in the urinary tract thin and weaken, leading to increased urgency and leakage.
• Pelvic floor weakness: High-impact sports, chronic constipation, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to a weaker pelvic floor—even if you’ve never been pregnant.
• Bladder irritants: Things like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy food can increase bladder sensitivity.

The key takeaway? LBL isn’t something you need to “just live with,” and it definitely doesn’t mean giving up on feeling comfortable, elegant, or in control.

What you can do about it

1. Strengthen your pelvic floor
Kegel exercises (yes, we all just did one!) can help rebuild strength and control. Many physios specialise in pelvic health and can tailor a plan to your needs.

2. Identify and reduce triggers
Keep a bladder diary for a few days to notice patterns around when leaks happen—food, drink, movement, or stress may all play a part.

3. Switch to absorbent lingerie
Forget bulky pads and uncomfortable inserts. Brands like Wicks Intimates are redefining what LBL support looks like. Our absorbent briefs are discreet, breathable, and buttery-soft. Our moderate absorbency pieces hold around 15mL of liquid, and our high absorbency pieces hold around 30mL of liquid. Perfect for small to moderate everyday leaks and peace of mind on-the-go.

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to compromise

Bladder leaks may be part of your body’s story right now, but they don’t get to steal your confidence. The key is finding what works for you—whether that’s a few new habits, pelvic floor rehab, or simply a better pair of underwear.

Absorbent lingerie gives you the freedom to feel supported, comfortable, and totally yourself—leaks and all.