Bladder leakage can be triggered by sudden stress or movement, such as coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects. It can also be triggered by a sudden urge to go to the bathroom and not making it to the toilet in time. Some types of medications, particularly for swelling or high blood pressure, interfere with the signal from the brain to the bladder, causing leaks. Certain types of surgery or childbirth may weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor which control the position and function of the bladder. There are several things that people can do to prevent bladder leaks from happening.
Step 1
Begin by keeping a bladder diary for two weeks. This diary keeps track of how much you eat and drink, taking note of any drinks which contain caffeine or other types of diuretics. Note the time you eat and drink and the time when you feel the urge to go to the bathroom. Also note any leaks and what you were doing at that moment.
Step 2
Learn to do Kegel exercises and get into a routine of performing the exercises three times a day. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles help any other changes you make to be more effective.
Step 3
Discuss electrical stimulation with your doctor. Electrodes stimulate the muscles of the sphincter in short bursts to help strengthen them. If you find that performing Kegel exercises are not producing the desired results, electrical stimulation may prove effective.
Step 4
Train your bladder to hold urine better by putting yourself on a bathroom schedule. During a normal day, a person may go to the bathroom four or five times. During retraining, you will go more frequently at first and gradually increase the time between visits. Retraining the bladder is especially effective if you suffer from urge incontinence.
Step 5
Ask a doctor about getting fitted for a pessary. This small device is inserted in the vagina and helps to hold the pelvic floor muscles up, which should reduce bladder leakage.
Step 6
Explore surgery and catheters as last resorts. Blockages will probably need to be fixed surgically, of course, but if no other methods to control bladder leaks work for you, the doctor may suggest an implant, a urethral insert, or a device which controls the nerves of the sphincter.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't be embarrassed to talk to your doctor or nurse about bladder leakage. There may be something that can be done without invasive surgery. You will probably need to give up drinking soda, coffee, tea and alcohol. These drinks act as diuretics which may increase your chances of bladder leakage. Bring your weight to a normal level through proper diet and exercise. Extra weight puts pressure on your internal organs, including the bladder.
Things You'll Need
- Bladder diary
- Electric stimulators
- Pessary
- Urethral inserts or catheters
