Bladder Training with the Contino Urethral Insert

Bladder Training: A Key Component to Managing Incontinence

Bladder training is a highly effective way to gain better bladder control by reducing how often you need to urinate. By understanding your bladder habits and combining them with techniques like Kegel exercises or pelvic floor training, you can improve bladder control over time. When paired with lifestyle changes, bladder training can help manage urge incontinence, overactive bladder, and stress incontinence. We have referenced techniques from the Cleveland and Mayo clinics into this summary.

What Is Involved in Bladder Training?

Bladder training helps you manage incontinence symptoms by teaching your bladder to hold more urine over time. Rather than rushing to the bathroom or going “just in case,” this method involves gradually delaying your bathroom visits. A helpful trick during training is to distract yourself and tighten your pelvic floor muscles when you feel the urge to urinate, which strengthens bladder control over time.

Get started with Bladder Training!

Establish a bathroom schedule

First, begin by establishing a regular schedule for your bathroom visits, based on your bladder diary. As you gradually extend the time between visits by increments of 15 minutes, you’ll increase your bladder’s capacity. This approach not only builds your bladder’s capacity but also boosts confidence by making you proactive rather than reactive to urges.

Behavioral Modifications

In addition to scheduling, the Cleveland Clinic recommends staying active and keeping your bowels regular, since constipation can exacerbate bladder issues. It’s also crucial to monitor what you drink. Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeinated drinks, carbonated beverages, and artificial sweeteners can significantly improve bladder function. Equally important is drinking the right amount of water—about four to eight 8-ounce glasses a day—to maintain healthy bladder habits.

Pelvic Floor Training

Furthermore, pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are essential for strengthening the muscles that support the bladder, urethra, and rectum, thereby preventing leakage. The Mayo Clinic recommends incorporating Kegels into your daily routine because they help tighten muscles and prevent accidental leakage, especially for those with stress incontinence.

Additional Treatment Options

Additionally, doing Kegels correctly is key to success. To ensure proper technique, biofeedback can be used during pelvic floor exercises, providing visual feedback on muscle contractions, which allows for fine-tuning your technique.

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By following these steps, bladder training with the CONTINO® can help you regain control. For additional support and information, explore how the Contino® Care Program can assist you in managing bladder leaks effectively.

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Sources:
• Mayo Clinic, “Definition and Procedure“
• Cleveland Clinic, “Get Control With Bladder Exercises“