When we talk about eating disorders, the focus is often on nutrition, mental health, and recovery. But there’s a lesser-known issue that deserves attention — bladder problems.
People with disordered eating can experience bladder leakage, urgency, frequent urination, and more. These symptoms are real, frustrating, and often overlooked in the recovery process. According to Aleece Fosnight, a board-certified physician assistant in urology and sexual medicine, the connection between eating disorders and bladder health runs deeper than most people realize.
In this interview, Fosnight breaks down how eating disorders impact bladder control, and shares practical tips on healing, from breathwork to pelvic floor therapy.
How Eating Disorders Affect the Bladder
Certain eating disorders — like anorexia nervosa — can cause serious changes to the muscles that control urination.
“When your body doesn’t get enough nutrients, it starts to break down muscle — including the pelvic floor muscles,” Fosnight explains. This can lead to stress incontinence, where small amounts of urine leak out during activities like coughing or exercising.
Constipation is another common issue. It puts pressure on the bladder, making it harder to empty completely and triggering urgency.
People who restrict fluid intake also risk making their urine too concentrated, which irritates the bladder lining and increases the urge to go.
Even low electrolyte levels — especially potassium and magnesium — can trigger bladder spasms and incontinence. Hormonal imbalances from disordered eating may also weaken the bladder’s lining, leading to infections and increased sensitivity.
Where to Start If You’re Struggling
If you’re dealing with bladder issues and have a history of disordered eating, start by talking to your primary care provider.
They can help you build a care team that might include a nutritionist, mental health therapist, and medical provider. You can also look for therapists who specialize in eating disorders on sites like Psychology Today.
Don’t feel like you have to wait until symptoms get worse — the sooner you get help, the better your recovery can be.
Will Treating the Eating Disorder Help the Bladder, Too?
In many cases, yes.
“Bladder symptoms often improve as you treat the root issues like malnutrition, constipation, or dehydration,” Fosnight says.
Still, it’s worth addressing bladder health directly, too. A pelvic floor therapist can help you regain muscle control, improve your posture and breathing, and reduce behaviors like skipping bathroom breaks.
Gentle Pelvic Floor Exercises to Try
One simple and powerful practice is diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing.
This technique can calm your nervous system, reduce urgency, and reconnect your breath to your pelvic floor. Here’s how:
- Sit or lie comfortably
- Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly
- Inhale slowly through your nose — feel your belly expand and your pelvic floor relax
- Exhale through your mouth — gently lift your pelvic floor, like you’re picking up a blueberry
- Repeat for 5–10 breaths, once or twice daily
You can also try gentle stretches like child’s pose, happy baby, or deep squats to relax the pelvic area.
Daily Habits That Support Bladder Health
Recovering from an eating disorder is a long journey, but small daily changes can make a big difference in bladder health:
- Hydrate steadily: Aim for 40–60 ounces of water each day, spaced out over time.
- Add electrolytes: Try adding an electrolyte packet or pinch of salt to one glass of water daily.
- Limit irritants: Cut back on caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.
- Stick to a routine: Try to urinate every 2–3 hours and avoid “holding it.”
- Prevent constipation: Eat more fiber, find a regular time to use the bathroom, and keep your body moving with walks or yoga.
- Prioritize sleep: A calming nighttime routine can help your body reset.
- Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your body’s signals — especially during meals and bathroom breaks.
A pelvic floor therapist or mental health provider can help you build body awareness, which often fades during disordered eating.
One Final Message: You’re Not Alone
If you feel ashamed or embarrassed about your symptoms, please know this — you are not alone. And it’s okay to ask for help.
Here’s one way to start the conversation:
“I’ve been struggling with eating and having bladder concerns. I think they might be related and I’d like to talk about it.”
Practice saying it in the mirror or with a trusted friend. And if a provider doesn’t take you seriously, remember: you deserve care that supports your whole body — mind, bladder, and beyond.