Trauma leaves marks, some you see, some you don’t. Incontinence can be one of them. If stress or past experiences are affecting your bladder or bowel control, you’re not alone. It’s real, it’s valid, and it’s time to talk about it.

How Trauma Affects Bladder and Bowel Control

Your body and mind are teammates. When something major happens—like trauma—your body can react in ways you never saw coming. Stress, anxiety, and PTSD can send your nervous system into overdrive. And guess what? The bladder and bowel don’t love that.

Your brain and pelvic floor are in constant communication. If trauma puts your nervous system in a state of high alert, it can lead to bladder urgency, overactive bladder (OAB), or even loss of control. Some people experience the opposite, difficulty urinating or emptying their bowels.

And it’s not just a temporary reaction. Long-term stress and unresolved trauma can rewire the way your body works. Over time, the bladder can become hypersensitive, making even small amounts of liquid feel urgent. On the flip side, some people find their body ignores the signals altogether, leading to unexpected leaks or accidents.

PTSD, Dissociation, and Chronic Stress: The Unexpected Triggers

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) isn’t just about flashbacks and anxiety. It can have physical effects, too. Chronic stress increases tension in the pelvic floor muscles, making accidents more likely. Dissociation—the feeling of disconnecting from your body—can also make it harder to recognise the need to go. Some people only realise they’ve had an accident when it’s already happened.

The nervous system plays a big role here. PTSD can cause the body to stay in fight-or-flight mode for extended periods, making the bladder either overactive or unresponsive. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline don’t just affect emotions—they change how your organs function.

‘It’s All in Your Head’ - No, It’s Not

Let’s clear this up: Trauma-related incontinence isn’t just a psychological issue. It’s not about “thinking positive” or “just relaxing.” The connection between the brain and bladder is real.

When the body is under stress, it releases hormones that impact bladder and bowel function. Fight-or-flight mode? It can make you go when you don’t want to. Freeze response? It can make it impossible to go when you need to. This isn’t imagination—it’s biology.

Medical professionals are beginning to recognise the link between trauma and physical symptoms like incontinence. However, many people still struggle to get the right support. If a doctor dismisses your concerns or tells you it’s “just stress,” don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. Your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously.

Childhood Trauma and Bladder Control in Adulthood

Trauma at a young age can have a lasting impact. Studies have found links between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and incontinence later in life [1]. Whether it’s emotional distress, neglect, or physical trauma, the body holds onto it.

Some people develop incontinence as kids and never outgrow it. Others might find that stress-related leaks only appear in adulthood. Either way, it’s not about weakness. It’s about how the body learns to cope.

For some, bedwetting in childhood was dismissed as “just a phase,” but the emotional impact lingered. If stress, fear, or painful memories were tied to those experiences, it can resurface years later. Recognising this link can be the first step toward healing, not just emotionally, but physically too.

Managing Trauma-Related Incontinence

If trauma has affected your bladder or bowel control, there are ways to take back control. Here’s what can help:

Pelvic Floor Therapy

A specialist can help retrain your pelvic floor muscles to respond differently to stress.

Grounding Techniques

If dissociation is a factor, mindfulness and grounding exercises can help reconnect with bodily sensations.

Bladder Training

Spacing out bathroom trips and keeping a diary of triggers can help regain consistency.

Medication & Professional Support

In some cases, medications or therapy can make a huge difference.

Protective Products

Wearing the right incontinence products like Invizi can give peace of mind and allow you to go about life without worrying about leaks.

It’s also worth exploring trauma-informed therapy. Traditional therapy methods don’t always address the physical symptoms of trauma, but specialised approaches—like somatic therapy—can help the body and mind work together again.

You’re Not Alone - And You Deserve Support

If any of this sounds familiar, know this: Your experiences are valid. You’re not broken, and you’re not alone. There are support groups, medical professionals, and even online communities where people share similar stories.

Leaking because of trauma isn’t something to feel ashamed of. It’s something to understand, manage, and navigate on your terms.

Resources & Help

If you’re looking for support, check out:

• Trauma-Informed Therapy Providers – A growing field of therapy that recognises the mind-body connection.
• Bladder & Bowel Community UK – Information and support for bladder and bowel issues.
• Mind UK – Mental health support, including PTSD and trauma recovery.
• Pelvic Health Physiotherapists – Search for a specialist who understands both the physical and emotional sides of incontinence.

No matter what, remember: You’re more than your leaks. You’re still you—brilliant, strong, and in control of your own story.