Bladder weakness · 5 min read
Pelvic Floor Training for Women: Effective Exercises Against Bladder Weakness
By SELENACARE Redaktion · 12 December 2025
Causes of bladder weakness in women
Bladder weakness in women can have many causes. Common triggers are:
- Pregnancy and childbirth, which put heavy strain on the pelvic floor.
- Hormonal changes – especially during menopause – which soften the tissue. Surgery in the pelvic area, such as caesarean sections or gynaecological procedures.
- Lack of exercise, frequent sitting or incorrect lifting in everyday life.
- Stress incontinence, where urine leaks involuntarily when coughing, laughing or during sport.
- An overactive bladder with sudden strong urges, even when the bladder isn't full.
Whatever the cause: there is something you can do – in a gentle, natural way. Regular pelvic floor training helps you regain control and feel more secure.
The pelvic floor: function & significance for women
The pelvic floor is a muscular structure stretched like an elastic net between the pubic bone, tailbone and sit bones. In women it carries the responsibility of supporting important organs such as the bladder, uterus and bowel – and ensures that you can hold or release urine and stool in a controlled way.
But it's not only crucial for continence: the pelvic floor also supports your posture, stabilises your core and has a positive effect on your body awareness and your sexual sensation.
If the muscles are weakened – for example by childbirth, hormonal changes or lack of exercise – they can no longer fully perform their function.
This can become noticeable as bladder weakness when sneezing, lifting or during sport. With targeted exercises you can gently strengthen your pelvic floor and actively integrate it back into your everyday life – for more security, stability and self-confidence.
Effective pelvic floor exercises for women
Your pelvic floor is a muscle like any other – and can be strengthened through regular training. Especially after phases of physical strain, such as childbirth or during menopause, targeted training can help you regain control and improve your body awareness.
The following exercises are specifically tailored to the female anatomy and help you bring more security, stability and confidence into your everyday life.
The best part: you need neither a gym nor special equipment – just a few minutes, a little attention and the willingness to engage with your body. Here are three effective exercises you can easily do at home.
Basic tension while sitting – for more body awareness
- Sit upright on a chair, feet hip-width apart.
- Gently tense your pelvic floor – imagine you want to interrupt the flow of urine or draw something upwards inside you.
- Keep your belly and bottom as relaxed as possible.
- Hold the tension for 5–10 seconds, keep breathing calmly. Then consciously release.
- Repetitions: 10 times, ideally 2–3 rounds daily.
Tip: Imagine gently drawing your pelvic floor inwards and upwards – that supports the movement.
Pelvic lift (bridge) – for more strength from your core
This exercise specifically strengthens your pelvic floor – and additionally trains your back and glutes. Ideal for stabilising your core and building more resilience.- Lie on your back, feet hip-width apart, arms relaxed beside your body.
- Now consciously tense your pelvic floor.
- Slowly lift your pelvis upwards, vertebra by vertebra – until your thighs and upper body form a line. Hold the position at the top for 3–5 seconds – keep breathing calmly.
- Slowly lower your pelvis again without resting it fully on the floor.
- Repetitions: 3 sets of 10 repetitions each – ideally built into your day regularly.
Tip: Make sure to activate your pelvic floor before lifting – that makes the exercise even more effective.
Upright standing exercise – for more security in everyday life
This exercise trains the conscious activation of your pelvic floor – perfect for everyday situations that demand quick reactions, like sneezing, lifting or fast movements.How it works:
- Stand stable and upright, feet hip-width apart.
- Gently tense your pelvic floor – imagine drawing it slightly inwards and upwards.
- At the same time, activate your deep abdominal muscles by gently drawing your belly button towards your spine.
- Hold this tension for about 10 seconds – breathing evenly and calmly.
- Then slowly release.
- Repetitions: 2–3 rounds of 10 repetitions each – ideally daily or before physical exertion.
How to deal with bladder weakness step by step in everyday life
Bladder weakness can be unsettling – especially when it appears suddenly or in unfamiliar situations. But with a conscious approach, some practice and the right support, you can find your way step by step to more security and composure. Here is a concrete action plan to help you regain trust in your body:
1. Recognise your personal challenges
Note down in everyday life when it's particularly hard for you to control the urge to urinate: – When sneezing or laughing? – When lifting shopping bags? – When jogging or walking fast? – After going to the toilet, because you feel you're not quite "empty"? Consciously noticing these moments is the first step towards dealing with them.
2. Develop small routines for critical situations
Once you know when it gets harder, you can counteract in a targeted way: – Before lifting or coughing: briefly tense your pelvic floor. – Before going to the toilet: breathe calmly, take your time – without pressure. – During physical exertion: start with a stabilising basic tension. This strengthens your control in exactly the moments you need it.
3. Consciously build movement into your everyday life
Moderate exercise has a positive effect on the pelvic floor – and on your body awareness: – Walking, cycling or yoga help release tension. – Avoid prolonged sitting – small movement breaks help keep the muscles active. – Find a form of movement that does you good and that you want to do regularly.
4. Talk openly about the topic – you are not alone
Bladder weakness affects many people – including in your own circle. Exchanging experiences with friends or in a supportive community can relieve and encourage. Conversations with doctors or physiotherapists can also help you find individual solutions.
5. Choose supportive products that suit you
Especially in phases when you're still practising or feeling unsure, discreet support helps. Our bladder weakness underwear for women was developed to give you security exactly then – without sacrificing comfort or sustainability.
Additional protection for women in everyday life – discreet & reusable
Bladder weakness is not a taboo – it's a topic that affects many
Whether after childbirth, during menopause or entirely independently of that – bladder weakness is widespread. And it's no reason to hold back. On the contrary: with the right knowledge, targeted exercises and suitable products, you can actively do something for your wellbeing.
Pelvic floor training helps you strengthen your core – physically and emotionally. And discreet bladder protection supports you wherever you need it. This way you move through everyday life self-determined – with more trust in your body.
Discover our reusable bladder weakness underwear – for a secure feeling in everyday life, entirely without compromise.
Got questions? Here you'll find answers on bladder weakness in women
Can I start pelvic floor training after giving birth?
Yes, absolutely. Especially after childbirth, targeted pelvic floor training is important to strengthen the strained muscles again. Depending on how the birth went, a gentle start is recommended – ideally in consultation with your midwife or doctor.
How long does it take for the training to work?
Many women notice first improvements after just a few weeks – such as better body awareness or more control when coughing or laughing. What matters is that you practise regularly and consciously.
Does pelvic floor training also help during menopause?
Yes. Hormonal changes during menopause can weaken the tissue – targeted training helps counteract this and prevent or reduce bladder weakness.
What if I don't feel anything during training?
That's completely normal at first. Many women need some time to develop a feeling for the pelvic floor. Keep at it – small visualisations often help, e.g. the "drawing inwards and upwards".
Can I combine pelvic floor training with period underwear?
Absolutely. Period underwear from SELENACARE isn't just helpful during menstruation, but also a good complement to training – especially if you want more security in certain situations.
Is pelvic floor training still worthwhile at an older age?
Yes – very much so! The pelvic floor can be trained at any age. Women in and after menopause also benefit from more control, stability and better body awareness.
How does bladder weakness underwear support me in everyday life?
Our reusable bladder weakness underwear gives you protection with light incontinence – entirely without disposable products. It's pleasant to wear, discreet, breathable and made for everyday life – ideal as a complement to training or on the go.
Is there additional discreet support for everyday life?
Yes. Our reusable bladder weakness underwear for women offers you discreet protection and noticeable comfort – entirely without disposable products. Ideal in the early phase of training or in everyday situations like sport, long working days or on the go.
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