Can You Avoid Incontinence Through Bladder Training for Women?

Anxiety doesn’t even begin to describe the challenges for women who have incontinence. There’s always the worry about urine leakage. But how do you resolve the issue? 

Is incontinence always something you have to live with? 

Or better yet, can you avoid it before it begins?

The good news is that through bladder training for women, you can regain some control, making it much less likely that you’ll have leaking or accidents. 

In addition, you have a much better chance of avoiding incontinence completely by being proactive through bladder control exercises for women. 

At Conway Medical Center, we have a strong tradition of providing high-quality, compassionate medical care to women in our community. By working closely with us, we can help you overcome the challenges of urinary incontinence. 

If you need help, contact the leading urogynecologists at Southern Shores Urogynecology.

We’ll take a closer look at how to treat incontinence through bladder training for women and how some simple techniques can help you retain control.

What Is the Goal of Bladder Training for Women?

The goal in bladder training for women is to regain more control over bladder functioning, and as a result, reduce instances of leaking urine and incontinence. 

Who Can Benefit From Bladder Training?

Bladder training isn’t just for those with incontinence—many other women can benefit as well, including:

• Those with an overactive bladder
• Those with urinary frequency
• Those with weak bladders
• Seniors

Some Common Bladder Training Techniques 

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, help strengthen the muscles that support bladder control, lowering the risk of incontinence. You can do Kegels anytime—just engage your pelvic muscles as if you’re trying to hold urine flow. 

Not sure where to start? Not clear if you’re performing Kegel exercises correctly? Don’t worry, just speak with one of our leading physicians who specialize in women’s health care. We’ll be happy to walk you through the entire process so you can be on your way to better bladder control.

Increasing Time Between Bathroom Visits

By increasing this time, you can help strengthen your bladder and increase how much urine it can hold. Doing so can not only decrease the sense of urgency, but also minimize the chances of leakage.

Timed Voiding

With timed voiding, you train your bladder to empty during specific times of the day. During these times, you should empty your bladder even if you don’t feel like you have to go to the bathroom. 

One of our doctors will discuss the frequency of how often you should urinate as part of this bladder training. 

Our List of Useful Bladder Retraining Tips

Working closely with one of our OBGYNs and urologists in Myrtle Beach or Horry County can help you manage and reduce the stress of incontinence. We’ve already reviewed some of the main elements of bladder control for women, but we’d like to add a few more useful tips:

• Keep a bladder diary that details how often you urinate. Be sure to discuss this with one of our providers at your next visit.
• Cut back on coffee or alcohol which could irritate your bladder 
• Keep your scheduled appointments with your provider, and feel free to ask questions
• Follow your doctor’s instructions
• Perform your pelvic floor muscle exercises regularly

To Avoid the Stress of Incontinence, Schedule an Appointment With Our Providers

Bladder training is an effective way to treat—or even prevent—incontinence. By partnering with our experienced physicians, you’ll gain the tools and support needed to ease the stress and anxiety that often come with incontinence. 

Discover how Conway Medical Center has been safeguarding the health of the community for nearly 100 years.

If you need help, contact the leading urogynecologists at Southern Shores Urogynecology.