Bladder problems are common, but bladder health is not always discussed as openly as other areas of health. Many people receive little information about the bladder until they begin experiencing symptoms.

A recent research study asked girls and women what they wanted to know about bladder health—and how they would prefer to receive that information.

What Did the Study Examine?

Researchers conducted 44 focus groups with 360 participants between the ages of 11 and 93. The participants came from different racial, ethnic, geographic and age groups across several areas of the United States.

The study did not test a treatment or determine which bladder habits are best. Instead, it explored what patients believe would make bladder health education more useful, accessible and comfortable.

What Do Women Want to Know?

Participants overwhelmingly wanted practical information about maintaining bladder health and preventing bladder problems.

Topics of interest included:

  • How the bladder works and how to care for it
  • Signs that may indicate a bladder problem
  • Urinary tract infections, or UTIs
  • Bathroom habits, hydration and hygiene
  • How aging, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual activity and medical conditions can affect the bladder
  • Common myths and misinformation about bladder health

Many participants said they wanted help understanding what is normal and when a change may need medical attention.

Information Should Be Clear and Trustworthy

Participants wanted bladder health information that was factual, specific and easy to understand. Some preferred brief facts and simple “do and don’t” messages, while others wanted more detailed explanations.

Visuals, videos, illustrations and short messages were especially appealing to younger participants. Across all age groups, women emphasized that information should be respectful, culturally sensitive and available in different languages.

They also wanted messages that reduce embarrassment. Talking openly about bladder health may help people realize they are not alone and feel more comfortable seeking care.

Health Professionals Can Start the Conversation

Many participants wanted doctors and other healthcare professionals to bring up bladder health during routine visits. Some felt uncomfortable introducing the subject themselves or did not know which questions to ask.

A simple question from a healthcare professional could give patients permission to discuss concerns such as frequent urination, urgency or bladder leakage.

Waiting-room posters, brochures and educational videos were also viewed as helpful ways to introduce the topic privately.

Different People Need Different Types of Information

The study found that there is no single best way to reach everyone.

Younger participants often preferred websites, videos and social media. Schools and health classes were considered useful places to introduce bladder health education to children and teenagers.

Pregnant women and new mothers could receive information through prenatal classes and parent groups. Older adults often preferred printed materials, small-group discussions and programs offered through senior centers, community organizations or places of worship.

Participants also valued options that allowed them to learn privately, particularly when they felt embarrassed about the subject.

The Main Message

Bladder health should be treated as a normal part of overall health. People need accurate information throughout their lives—not only after a bladder problem develops.

The study suggests that effective bladder health education should be:

  • Clear, accurate and easy to understand
  • Available in both brief and detailed formats
  • Appropriate for a person’s age, culture and language
  • Offered through healthcare offices, schools, community programs, printed materials and online resources
  • Presented without judgment or embarrassment

Having better conversations about bladder health may help patients recognize concerns, ask questions and seek appropriate care sooner.

Important note: This study examined preferences for health education. It did not evaluate specific bladder-health recommendations, prevention methods or treatments. Patients with questions or symptoms should speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: Burgio KL, Cunningham SD, Newman DK, et al. “Preferences for Public Health Messaging Related to Bladder Health in Adolescent and Adult Women.” Journal of Women’s Health. 2023;32(10). DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0463.