Bladder Control Mastery: The Power of Setting a Schedule

Bladder training is a helpful way to get your bladder back to normal and gain better control.¹ If you follow a routine, you can train your bladder to reduce the need to go, how often you go, and prevent urine leakage. This approach is great for those who have overactive bladder, urge incontinence, or incontinence.

Why Should I Bother Training My Bladder?

Bladder training is useful for both kids and adults. It helps the nervous system communicate better with the bladder muscles. This practice sets a regular schedule for using the bathroom. If you have an overactive bladder or feel the need to go too often, bladder training can be very helpful.² It may lower leakage and make your daily life feel better.

How Does Bladder Training Work?

Bladder training often involves urge control methods. A key technique to use is timed emptying. This means you set a regular schedule for bathroom visits.

Steps to Set Your Bladder Schedule

• Set Initial Intervals: Start by planning bathroom trips every 30 to 60 minutes.³ This should depend on how often you go now. If you usually pee more than once every hour, try shorter times. If you go less, aim for the 60-minute mark.
• Stick to the Schedule: Only use the bathroom at the planned times. If you feel the urge to go before it's time, try techniques like kegel exercises to hold it in. Don’t worry if you can’t hold it every time. Just try to increase the time between urgency.
• Increase Intervals Weekly: Each week, make your bathroom visits 15 to 30 minutes longer.^3,4 Keep going until you can wait 2 to 4 hours. This slow change helps your bladder adjust without too much stress.3 Bladder training usually takes 8 to 12 weeks to give the best results.⁴ You can improve control over urination even more if you combine it with pelvic floor muscle training.

Common Questions About Bladder Training

Can bladder training help with all types of urinary incontinence?

Yes, bladder training can help with various types of urinary incontinence. This includes urge incontinence and overflow incontinence. By following a regular routine, you can improve your control over your bladder. This practice can also reduce the times you have urinary leakage.

What should I do if I experience strong urges?

When you feel a strong urge, try some easy methods to help. One helpful way is by doing kegel exercises. These exercises work on your pelvic floor muscles. By tightening these muscles, you can hold your urine until you can go to the bathroom. This practice can make your pelvic floor stronger and improve your bladder control over time.

Key Takeaways for Setting a Bladder Schedule

Bladder training is a good way to improve bladder control and reduce urine leakage. You can do this by emptying your bladder at set times and regular intervals. This method works well with pelvic floor exercises. Together, they can help with symptoms of stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and an overactive bladder. As you get better, it is important to see steady progress. Stay consistent with your training. Schedule today with a pelvic health specialist at Blossom to receive tailored education and exercises to compliment your bladder training goals.

DISCLAIMER This article is intended for educational purposes only, using publicly available information. It is not medical advice nor should it be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Please seek the advice of your physician or another licensed medical provider for any health questions or concerns. In the case of emergency, call 911.