5 Ways to Control your Bladder

Ways to control your bladder are usually needed for those with BPH (enlarged prostate), or who have had a TURP or other prostate surgery. Although medications, and perhaps some supplements are helpful, specialist exercises are recommended.

Those with urination problems may suffer from one or all of the following issues:

Frequency – a desire to urinate frequently, especially at night

Retention – inability to urinate perhaps even requiring catheterization

Urgency – a need to rush to the bathroom

Dribbling – especially post void dribbling

Interruption – weak or interrupted urine stream

Discomfort – a sense that the bladder is not sufficiently emptied after urination

For those who have had a TURP, it is like the bladder retains a memory of what life was like before the procedure and there can be the desire to urinate more that is really needed. For those with BPH, training of the bladder is often a necessity.

5 Ways to Control your Bladder

Here are some practical suggestions for an overactive bladder:

Eliminate any foods or drinks which irritate the bladder eg coffee and alcohol. See this extensive list and see what works for you.
Drink plenty of water, say 4-8 glasses per day. The reason for this is that concentrated urine can irritate the bladder.
Medication can help – check with your doctor regarding suitable medications
Strengthen pelvic floor muscles with daily Kegel exercises.
Train your bladder. Try to hold urine for five minutes after feeling the need and each week thereafter extend the time. Success can take as long as sixty days.

Have you discovered other ways to control your bladder?

Urination problems are annoying, but with some time and effort the situation can be resolved or at least improved. View an introduction to pelvic floor exercises below.