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Pelvic Floor & Bladder Comfort in Midlife — What the Science Says
10/29/2025

A large national study — the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) — looked at how common bladder and pelvic floor changes are among U.S. women and what factors play a role. The findings were striking.

A large national study looked at how common bladder and pelvic floor changes are among U.S. women — and the numbers were striking. Researchers analyzing data from the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that nearly 62% of U.S. women aged 20 and older reported some degree of unexpected leaking or a sudden urgent need to use the bathroom. About 22% described these experiences as moderate to significant in their daily lives.

When the researchers looked at the patterns of how these experiences showed up, they found three main types:

  • 38% noticed leaks during exertion — coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical activity,
  • 22% experienced urgency-driven leaks — a sudden, hard-to-hold urge with little warning, and
  • 31% noticed a mix of both patterns.

The likelihood of these experiences increased with age, higher body mass index (BMI), greater number of births, and vaginal (vs. cesarean) delivery. The study also noted differences across racial and ethnic groups: White women reported these changes most often, followed by Hispanic and Black women — though the authors acknowledged the possibility of underreporting or cultural differences in how women talk about these experiences.

One of the study's most important takeaways: this is not just something that happens to older women. These changes can show up at any age, and the likelihood grows gradually across adulthood. The researchers also highlighted the real impact these experiences can have on everyday life, sleep, and emotional wellbeing — yet they often go unaddressed, sometimes because women assume it's just normal, or because they feel awkward raising it with anyone.

In short:

  • Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. women report some form of unexpected bladder leaking or urgency (NHANES 2015–2018).
  • These changes are more common with age, childbirth, and weight.
  • Leaks during physical exertion are the most frequently reported pattern.
  • Despite being widespread, these experiences often go unaddressed — even though they have a measurable effect on women's daily lives.


Updated Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Women: 2015-2018 National Population-Based Survey Data

Parlor Games products are not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate disease or other medical conditions. Our products are not the subject of the studies discussed herein, and we do not claim that our products will have the same effects as those discussed in these articles. This information is being provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional.