A Continence NZ brochure available for download (PDF), including information about the pelvic floor muscles, starting your pelvic floor training programme, and progressing your programme. If you would like to order one physical copy, this is free. Please call 0800 650 659 or email zoe@continence.org.nz to order.
Bladder Retraining
What is a normal bladder habit?
The volume of urine passed each time by a normal adult will vary from around 250-400 mL. This is the same as about 2 cupfuls. Most people with normal bladder habits can hold on for 3-4 hours between visits to the toilet. Most younger adults can also go right through the night without the need to pass urine. With ageing, the bladder capacity may get smaller, so the frequency of passing urine may increase, both by day and at night.
What is bladder training?
Bladder training is a treatment for people who suffer from an urgent need to pass small amounts of urine more frequently than normal (3 - 4 hourly) and may experience leakage with urgency. Sometimes people with no urgency pass urine frequently to avoid accidents. These people may also benefit from bladder training. The aim of Bladder Training is to improve bladder control and increase the amount of urine the bladder can comfortably hold without urgency/frequency or leakage of urine. The programme teaches people to suppress the urgent desire to pass urine until a socially acceptable time and place is found. With people experiencing urgency or frequency, learning to "hold on" can be difficult, but becomes easier with practice.
Will there be a setback?
Don't be concerned with small day-to-day variations in your bladder pattern - these are normal for everyone. However, any person who starts a training programme may experience setbacks when the symptoms seem worse again.
If this does happen, do not be discouraged. Think positively and keep trying. It becomes easier with practice. Do keep doing the bladder training and the pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Bladder retraining programme
A useful way to measure progress is to use a bladder chart or diary. If you haven't been given a chart by your Doctor or Continence Advisor, you can draw one yourself using the following example.
What if bladder training doesn't work?
If, after 4-6 weeks, the programme has not helped your bladder control problems, seek help. The best results are achieved by working with a health professional who is trained in dealing with bladder problems and who will design an individual programme especially suited to you.
How to seek help
There are health professionals qualified to help you with bladder control problems. You may seek advice from your GP or contact Continence NZ.
For all enquiries
Continence NZ: Continence Helpline: Call 0800 650 659
Email: info@continence.org.nz
