There are several forms of bladder incontinence, and exercise can help correct some of them. Exercise involves strengthening the pelvic floor using such maneuvers as the Kegel exercise, as well as training your bladder and getting on a urination schedule. Forms of bladder incontinence caused by underlying medical conditions cannot be corrected by exercise alone. These must be treated by addressing the underlying condition.
Types of Incontinence
Bladder incontinence comes in several forms. Stress incontinence occurs when sudden pressure on your lower stomach, such as coughing or laughing, causes urine leakage. This is caused by weakened pelvic muscles, sometimes as a result of childbirth or surgery. Urge incontinence happens when you suddenly get the urge to urinate and cannot make it to the bathroom in time. This can be caused by overactive bladder and urinary tract infections. Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder is too full. This happens commonly in men with a blockage of urinary flow who cannot void fully. Stress incontinence often can be treated with exercise. If overflow incontinence or urge incontinence are caused by an underlying medical condition, that condition must be treated first.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor. Squeeze your pelvic muscles as if you are trying to hold back urine. Do this for a count of four, then slowly relax for a count of four. This exercise should performed be at least three times a day for 10 repetitions to help treat stress incontinence.
Bladder Retraining
Bladder retraining helps manage urge incontinence. Become aware of the pattern of your incontinence episodes. Develop a schedule of times when you should try to urinate and empty your bladder fully. Consciously delay urination between these times. Gradually increase the time between urination as you become skilled at holding back urination.
Medication
If your incontinence is caused by an underlying medical condition, it is important to treat that condition first. Medications can help treat conditions such as overactive bladder. Commonly used medications include anticholinergics, topical estrogen, imipramine and duloxetine. Always ask your physician before starting a new medication.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse; Urinary Incontinence in Women; Septemeber 2010
- MedlinePlus; Urge Incontinence; David Zieve, et al.; March 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Kegel Exercises
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center: Kegel Exercises for Urinary Incontinence
- Family Doctor; Urinary Incontinence; July 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Incontinence
