Why Your Bladder Might Feel Different in Winter – And What You Can Do About It

For many Kiwis managing incontinence, winter can bring unexpected changes – more urgency, less warning, or find that managing your routine feels unexpectedly different.

It’s not just in your head. Cold weather can affect bladder behaviour, muscle control, skin health, and even your hydration levels. Understanding what’s happening, and why, can help you feel more in control this season.

1. Cold triggers real changes in how your bladder behaves

Your body responds to cold by tightening blood vessels and redirecting blood flow to essential organs – a process called vasoconstriction. That might sound technical, but it affects something very practical: it makes your kidneys produce more urine.

The result? You might feel the urge to go more often, especially in the morning or after being outside. This is known as cold-induced diuresis, and it can be especially frustrating for people with bladder sensitivity or existing continence needs.

Layer that with pelvic floor muscles naturally tensing in response to cold, and you’ve got a combination that can make controlling urgency, or reaching the toilet in time, feel more difficult than usual.

2. Hydration needs don’t disappear just because it’s winter

In cooler weather, many people drink less without realising. You may not feel as thirsty, and if you're managing continence, it might seem logical to reduce your intake. But this can actually backfire.

When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated – darker in colour and higher in acidity. That can irritate the bladder lining, increasing urgency or even causing discomfort. In some cases, it may also lead to more noticeable odours or skin irritation.

The solution isn’t drinking more water all at once, but maintaining a steady intake throughout the day. Warm fluids like herbal teas or diluted broths can be easier to manage if you’re cold – and they help your bladder stay calm and well-regulated.

3. Skin needs extra care in winter – especially with absorbent products

Indoor heating, lower humidity, and cold air all contribute to dry, sensitive skin. For people using pads, briefs, or other absorbent products, that dryness can be made worse by close contact, moisture build-up, or friction.

In winter, skin doesn’t always show irritation in obvious ways – especially in areas like the inner thighs, lower back, or under incontinence products. That’s why it’s important to use breathable products, maintain a regular change routine, and consider adding a fragrance-free barrier cream or a gentle cleansing wipe like those in the Advance® hygiene range to your care routine.

Good continence care doesn’t stop with what you wear – it’s also how you look after the skin underneath.

ContinenceCare offers products, tools, and advice to help you stay comfortable and confident all year round. Whether you’re adjusting to seasonal changes or reassessing what works best for your body, we’re here to help. Our Advance® products are designed with comfort, confidence, and discretion in mind — all year round.

Try our Product Finder Tool, or give our team a call – we’re happy to talk through your options.

REFERENCES:

• Benenden Hospital UK. “Why do bladder problems seem worse in winter?”
• Arkansas Urology. “Reasons for Cooler Temperatures Leading to Certain Urinary Conditions”
• Mind Body Pelvis. “Hydration and Bladder Health”
• ConfidenceClub. “Winter Skin Care for Incontinence”
• Harvard Health. “Coping with urinary incontinence”