The human bladder is a round bag-like organ that stores urine. It is located in the pelvic region below the kidneys and allows the person to maintain continence. It acts as a storage tank and delays urination so a person can urinate at his own will.
Like all other organs in our body, the bladder has its importance. An average person’s healthy and well-functioning bladder can hold approximately 400-500 ml fluid. The bladder, being an elastic organ, expands when there is more urine to hold. It is normal to urinate 6-8 times within 24 hours.
However, if you have been visiting the bathroom more frequently these days, there might be a problem that demands attention.
Urinary Incontinence
Frequent trips to the bathroom, urine leakage because of a simple sneeze, or an increased need for incontinence pads are all symptoms that your bladder has lost its ability to control the urine flow.
Urinary incontinence is a condition where a person cannot control his bladder. It leads to involuntary urine leakage, leaving the person embarrassed and baffled. Older adults are more likely to suffer from urinary incontinence.
Incontinence brings with it a plethora of problems and hardships. People with leaky bladders fall prey to personal, mental, and physical issues. People with heavy incontinence even isolate themselves from their surroundings because they fear being noticed—the constant fear of embarrassment in public forces them to isolate themselves, eventually leading to depression.
Is Bladder Training Helpful In Controlling Incontinence?
People with incontinence are too nervous to talk about their leaky bladder. Besides, there is a misconception that you must have surgery to make your bladder continent again.
Bladder training is the first phase of controlling your leaky bladder. It is a behavioral therapy that has proven effective in managing incontinence. Bladder training allows an incontinent person to:
- Hold their urine for a more extended period.
- Avoid leaks and accidents.
- Stay comfortable for 3-4 hours.
The ultimate purpose of bladder training is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The training helps incontinent people who think adult diapers and pull-up underwear are the only solutions for managing incontinence to have better control over their bladder. With time the incontinent person regains control over their bladder and can live a comfortable life.
Basic Rules For Bladder Training
Training your bladder is the best strategy for controlling your overactive bladder. If you have been using incontinence products for a long time but are still afraid of leaks, these bladder training tips will help you in your struggle.
Practice Void Timing
The first and foremost step is to reduce your number of trips to the bathroom. All you need to do is to train your bladder by visiting the bathroom after a fixed time interval.
For instance, if you visit the bathroom after every 30 minutes, add about 10 minutes to it. If you have the urge to urinate before the designated time, try to hold it. Once the 40 minutes are up, visit the bathroom and empty your bladder. Continue adding 10 minutes to your training until you can hold urine for 3-4 hours straight.
Kegel Exercises
One of the best techniques for people using panty liners and guards is to practice Kegels, an exercise laid out to strengthen the bladder muscles.
To practice Kegels, you have to squeeze the muscles used to stop urine. Hold the contraction for about five minutes, then relax for three minutes. Gradually increase the squeezing-relaxing time to 10 seconds. Practice three sets of 10 contractions each day. It will help you control urine in between your bathroom schedule.
Keep A Bladder Diary
A bladder diary is an excellent way of exploring patterns in your weak bladder. Keep a record of how often you visit the bathroom, what you eat, the fluid intake, and everything related to your bladder. The diary helps your healthcare provider design an effective treatment plan to help you cope with incontinence.
Take Care Of Your Diet
Eating a well-balanced energy-rich diet can significantly help you during bladder training. Include foods that are rich in fiber and can prevent constipation. As a full bladder often pushes out urine without your consent.
Healthy water intake is also essential. Contrary to the belief that avoiding water can prevent leaks. Minimizing your water intake can have a negative impact on your health and your bladder as well. The body will become dehydrated, and you will have to face other health issues. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol as they can trigger inflammation leading to urinary incontinence.
Use Incontinence Underwear
You will be visiting the bathroom after every few hours. To make your bathroom trips quick and hassle-free, use disposable pull-up pants as they are easy to pull on and pretty simple to take off. Besides, they look like regular underwear helping the person maintain his dignity. They also have a comfortable fit and sit snugly around your legs, preventing the slightest chance of a leak.
Let AvaCare Help You With Bladder Training
We at AvaCare Medical know the struggle of an incontinent person trying to tame his bladder. Preventing a leak is always the goal of a person having an overactive bladder. Being a prominent supplier of incontinence products, we connect you with all the leading suppliers in the industry. We have cleaning wipes, overnight diapers, pads, and liners produced by the industry’s top brands. Visit our website or call us in case of any queries.