According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), bladder leakage can happen to anyone of any age. Though it's a condition that can affect men, it's more common among women. It's not a disease but is considered a medical problem. There are treatment options; it's just a matter of finding the right one for you.
What to Do for Bladder Leakage
Step 1
Keep a record. Begin by writing down each time of day you have an accident or feel your bladder leak; you may notice a pattern forming. This pattern will help you plan trips to the bathroom, preventing these accidents. Over time you can lengthen the amount of time between bathroom trips. This helps stretch your bladder and strengthen the pelvic muscles that are responsible for controlling your urinary flow.
Step 2
Change the way you drink. Certain beverages--such as those containing caffeine--can irritate your bladder and cause you to urinate more frequently. Rather than drinking tea, soda or coffee with caffeine, drink the decaffeinated version. If your problem is leakage at night, limit your drinks after dinner, consuming more of your beverages during the day.
Step 3
Try pelvic exercises. Also known as kegels, these exercises can be performed by men and women as a means of strengthening the pelvic floor--which supports your bladder. The easiest way to locate your pelvic muscle is to begin urinating and stop the flow in mid-stream; the muscle you feel contract is your pelvic muscle. Contract this muscle 10 to 15 times, three times a day.
Step 4
Take medication. If your bladder leakage is due to an overactive bladder, your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help prevent it. Medications such as Detrol and Ditropan work by blocking the signals that cause muscle spasms in the bladder. The most common side effects of these medications include dry mouth and eyes, and constipation.
Step 5
Get nerve stimulation. This is an option for some people who haven't responded well to other treatments, such as medication--though it's not effective for everyone. Before making it permanent, your doctor will test your response by stimulating the nerves controlling your bladder with a device used on the outside of your body. If your symptoms stop, he will generally proceed by implanting a device similar to a pacemaker, under your skin in your lower back. The electrodes deliver timed stimulation to your bladder, controlling the spasms causing bladder leakage.
Tips and Warnings
- When performing Kegels, be sure not to tighten your thighs, abdominals or buttocks. This defeats the purpose of your exercise. If you cannot squeeze and release the muscle 10 consecutive times in the beginning, do as many as you are capable of, working up to the suggested number. It may take two to three months before you see results. As long as you perform them consistently, you will notice a difference.
Things You'll Need
- Bathroom chart
- Medication
