What techniques can help treat urinary incontinence and overactive bladder?

If you have urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB), behavioral techniques can help you strengthen the muscles around your bladder and help you recognize when you may be at risk of leaking, so you can prevent or avoid an accident. Following are some of the behavioral techniques:

• Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder and urethra. Kegels are easy to do, and they don't take much time, but it's important to do them correctly. You may be referred to a physiotherapist who can teach you how to do them.
• Biofeedback shows you what's happening inside your body so you can learn to control your muscles in order to prevent leaks. A common technique for incontinence and overactive bladder is to use electronic sensors and a monitor to see exactly what your bladder muscles are up to. As you watch your muscles respond on the screen, you'll be able to train yourself to make them contract or relax -- until you're back in control.
• Bladder training helps you avoid accidents by teaching you to recognize when to go to the bathroom. You'll start by charting when you void and leak -- this will help identify triggers or patterns. Using that information, you can plan bathroom breaks ahead of when you would otherwise leak.

Other bladder training tips: Use the toilet 20 to 30 minutes after each meal, at least twice between meals, and before you go to bed. Set a timer to remind you, if you think that would help. Adjust your schedule as you learn the frequency that best meets your needs. It may take several weeks of behavioral treatments before you notice an improvement, so don't give up!

Take the RealAge Test!