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What do I do About Bladder Control Problems?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are two therapeutic treatment options for bladder control problems: behavioral and medical. Bladder control is the ability to hold the sphincter muscles at the base of the bladder closed and release the muscle to empty the bladder. There are wide ranges of techniques and tricks that can be used to successfully resolve incontinence, which is the loss of bladder control.

Behavioral therapies are the first treatment plan suggested to most patients, as they are very effective and have no side effects. The first technique used to reduce bladder control problems is liquid management. This technique has two parts: intake and output control.

A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.

Intake management requires you to drink no more than one cup of liquid per hour. Output control requires that the patient empty the bladder both before drinking and 30 minutes after. Keeping the amount of fluid in your bladder at less than capacity reduces the pressure on the sphincter muscles. Frequent, controlled urination improves the sensation of control, which is important to your mental outlook. Over time, this technique can reduce bladder control problems by strengthening the muscles.

The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.
The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.

Improve the strength of your pelvis floor muscles with Kegel exercise. These invisible exercises can be done any time and are proven to improve muscle control and strength. The primary benefit of these exercises is improved bladder control. To identify the correct muscles, pay attention to the muscles used to interrupt a flow of urine.

Once your have identified the correct muscles, practice tightening and releasing these muscles ten to 15 times a day. The outer muscles of your body should not move at all, allowing you to perform Kegel exercises anywhere and anytime. Many people have found that strengthening these muscles resolves their bladder control problems. Additional benefits include reduced paunch and improved posture.

Kegel exercises are a common type of bladder treatment.
Kegel exercises are a common type of bladder treatment.

Medical treatment options for bladder control problems include prescription medication and surgery. There are several well-known medications available to treat bladder control problems. The exact medication prescribed depends on the diagnoses and your overall heath. Possible options include antibiotics to treat a bladder infection, or medication for muscle or nerve-related conditions.

Herbal remedies and over the counter products are available to treat bladder control issues. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before uses these types of medications. They may have an adverse interaction with any other medications that you are taking. There is also a chance they will irritating your bladder, causing an increased risk of infection. Surgery is a last resort and is only recommended once all other options have been exhausted.

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    • A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
      By: kocakayaali
      A cutaway of a female body showing the bladder in dark pink.
    • The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.
      By: 3drenderings
      The human urinary tract, including the bladder in pink at the bottom.
    • Kegel exercises are a common type of bladder treatment.
      By: Gang
      Kegel exercises are a common type of bladder treatment.