Summer brings sunshine, movement, and a change in routine but it can also bring an increase in bladder leaks. If you've noticed more urgency or unexpected accidents this time of year, you're not alone. We often see a rise in symptoms during the summer months—and there are real, physiological (and psychological) reasons why. Understanding the seasonal factors that impact your pelvic health is key to managing symptoms and staying dry this summer.

Heat, Hydration and Bladder Irritability

Summer heat changes how we hydrate. When we sweat more, we need to replenish lost fluids. Sometimes we overhydrate quickly and sometimes we under-hydrate to avoid needing a bathroom. While this may seem like a practical solution, dehydration can cause urine to become more concentrated, which irritates the bladder lining and can actually increase urgency and frequency and those surprise leaks. It’s a classic catch-22: drinking less to prevent leaks can end up making them worse.

More Activity = More Pelvic Floor Strain

With summer comes all the good stuff; long walks, hikes, travel, and running around with your children or grandchildren during holidays and BBQs. This added movement is a wonderful boost for your overall health, but it also places more demand on your pelvic floor. Repetitive activities like lifting heavy beach bags or picking up your little ones push the muscles supporting your bladder to work harder, especially if they’re already weakened or underactive.

Clothing, Heat and Pelvic Floor Irritation

Your summer wardrobe (think swimsuits, shorts, and synthetic fabrics) can be a hidden culprit when it comes to pelvic discomfort. As temperatures rise, the combination of sweat, tight clothing, and limited ventilation can lead to chafing, vulvar sensitivity, and even minor skin infections. These irritations aren’t just uncomfortable — they can create localized inflammation that affects nearby pelvic floor muscles and nerves, making the bladder more reactive and increasing sensations of urgency or the likelihood of leaks.

Swimwear that stays damp for long periods, snug athletic wear, or undergarments made from less breathable materials can trap moisture against the skin, disrupting the natural balance of the vulvovaginal area. This can lead to a cycle where irritation exacerbates pelvic tension, which in turn can worsen incontinence symptoms. Even small environmental factors like this can contribute to big shifts in how your pelvic floor feels and functions in the summer.

Travel, Routine Disruptions, and the “Where’s the Bathroom?” Stress

Summer travel is exciting, but it often comes with unfamiliar territory, disrupted routines, and the ever-present question: “Will there be a bathroom?” For those managing incontinence, that uncertainty alone can trigger stress.

Navigating airports, long road trips, and unfamiliar environments means you may not have the same easy access to restrooms you're used to. Add in changes in diet, hydration habits, and time zones, and your bladder can become even more reactive.

Even with the best intentions, these changes can increase urgency or frequency, making leaks more likely at the least convenient times.

Pelvic Floor Care Isn’t Just for “Crisis Mode”

One of the biggest misconceptions about pelvic floor health is that support is only needed when symptoms are at their worst. In reality, bladder leaks often ebb and flow with the seasons, life stages, stress levels, and changes in physical activity. Summer being a perfect example of how daily life and environmental changes can affect your symptoms.

Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for managing acute problems. Think of it as on-going, not occasional. You may have experienced inconsistency with your incontinence and that’s because it can be inconsistent. But those fluctuating symptoms often indicate that the underlying issue hasn’t been fully resolved. Waiting until things feel “bad enough” can prolong recovery and increase discomfort in the long run.

Pelvic floor therapy is a valuable tool for preventing flare-ups, improving long-term bladder control, and helping you better understand how your body responds to seasonal or lifestyle changes. So if you’ve noticed a pattern like more leaks during summer travel, after increased activity, or during times of stress, it’s definitely worth paying attention to.