Rushing to the Bathroom: How Urge Leaks Are Linked to Falls and Fractures

When you have to go now, you hurry, often in the dark, sometimes half-asleep, and maybe over a rug or a pet. Research shows that hurry has consequences.

The study of older women

Researchers followed 6,049 women, average age about 78, for three years.¹ Over that time, 55% reported a fall.¹

• About a quarter had urge leaks at least weekly.¹
• Weekly urge leaks were independently linked to more falls and to fractures not caused by major trauma.¹
• Stress leaks (with coughing or lifting) weren’t linked to falls or fractures.¹

The authors suggested that frequent urination, nighttime trips and rushing to avoid a leak likely raise fall risk, and that treating urge leaks early may lower fracture risk.¹

A larger review

A 2021 meta-analysis of 38 studies with more than 230,000 people found that bladder leaks were linked to about 60% higher odds of falling, including in women and in people 65 and older, and to repeat falls.² In this broader review, both urge and stress leaks were linked to falls.² The authors called bladder leaks an important risk factor for falls.²

Make the path safer

• Night lights from bed to bathroom
• Clear the route of rugs, cords and clutter
• Sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing
• Keep glasses and a phone within reach
• Consider a bedside commode if nighttime trips are frequent
• Ask about grab bars near the toilet

Treat the bladder too

• Bladder training can lengthen the time between trips. See our guide to bladder training.
• Look at nighttime urination causes. Our article on waking at night to pee covers what to check.
• Review medicines, including sleep aids that make you groggy. Our article on benzodiazepine sleeping pills after 65 explains the fall risk.

Questions to ask

1. Are my leaks mostly urge, stress or both?
2. What can reduce my nighttime trips?
3. Should I have a fall-risk or bone-density check? Our guide to bone density scans covers coverage.

Try: “I get up three times a night and sometimes don’t make it. I nearly fell last week. Can we work on both my bladder and my fall risk?”

Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment prep sheet. Use it to record nighttime trips, near-misses and any falls.