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DownloadBladder training is a way of treating problems of urinary urgency and frequency.
The aim of bladder training is to ‘train’ the bladder to hold on. Over time you can gradually restore a more normal bladder emptying pattern by trying to ignore some of the signals from the bladder and by holding on for longer between visits to the toilet.
Some words it is helpful to know:
Urgency is the really strong need to pass urine which if ignored, could cause a leak (urge incontinence).
Frequency is the need to empty the bladder with only a short time between visits to the toilet.
It is really important to try and tighten these muscles in anticipation of any situation where you feel that you may leak:
The bladder functions best when it is given good volumes to hold. The more you go, the more you will have to go as your bladder gets used to holding less and less urine. If you always respond immediately to the bladder’s signals or go ‘just in case’, your bladder can start to control how you manage your daily activities. Use of ‘delaying tactics’ can be helpful.
The following tactics may be helpful in delaying the urge to pass urine and in improving bladder control:
You can also try:
Building up time intervals between passing urine is not always easy. Check your watch when you pass urine and set yourself a realistic time to work towards. Remember the average time interval between passing urine is 3-4 hours depending on how much you are drinking. Try not to go to the toilet ‘just in case’. If you try to improve the holding time of the bladder in the day you will inevitably improve your ability to hold on at night. What delaying tactics can I use? How can bladder training help the bladder to function more normally?
Do make sure you are sitting comfortably to pass urine in order that the bladder can empty fully.
Tea, coffee and cola may irritate the bladder. These are stimulant drinks which will make the bladder fill quickly and can aggravate urge symptoms. Be cautious with citrus juices, fizzy drinks, diet drinks, alcohol and tomatoes. All of these could cause problems for the bladder. Some soap products can irritate the vaginal tissues and increase feelings of urgency.
Water, herbal teas, squash and diluted juices are preferable to caffeine based drinks. Decaffeinated tea and coffee may also cause urgency and rapid bladder filling for some people, so plainer drinks are best.
It is advisable to have around eight drinks a day. That is roughly three pints or one and a half litres of fluid. Excessive fluid intake may in itself cause frequency but restricting fluids can make the urine concentrated and this too can irritate the bladder. It is a fine balance.
Expect setbacks if the weather is cold and rainy or when you are stressed or unwell. Some women can experience more symptoms around the time of their period.
Your physiotherapist will be able to talk you through all aspects of this leaflet and guide you on a pelvic floor exercise program when you attend the department for an appointment.
Should you have any concerns, please call your named physiotherapist, or leave a message for the Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy Team:
Royal Sussex County Hospital: 01273 523050.
Princess Royal Hospital: 01444 448664.
Hove Polyclinic: 0300 304 0118.
Further information:
Pelvic Obstetric Gynaecological Physiotherapists
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: July 2018
Review Date: January 2023