Advanced Women’s Health – PLEASE ADD LOGO TO UPPER L CORNER

BLADDER RETRAINING: CONTROLLING FREQUENCY & URGENCY

FREQUENCY is voiding often, usually 8 times or more in a 24 hour period. Most times urine volume is only in small amounts. Frequency can worsen if you get into the habit of voiding “just in case,” which means that the bladder never fills completely and holds only a small amount of urine. It is better to wait until the bladder is full.

URGENCY is the sudden need to void immediately that may result in urine leakage on the way to the bathroom. Urgency follows a wave pattern; it starts, grows, peaks and then subsides until it stops.

The key to controlling the urinary urge is not to respond by rushing to the bathroom. Rushing causes movement, which jiggles your bladder, which, in turn increases the feeling of urgency.

CONTROLLING THE URGE:

The goal is for you to be voiding no more than every ___ hours. If you get the urge to void and it is not yet your scheduled voiding time, stop all activity and sit down if possible. Then try one or more of the following techniques that may help the urge to subside allowing the bladder relax and give you more time to get to the bathroom:

  • Take some slow, deep breaths through your mouth, concentrating on your breathing
  • Tighten your pelvic muscle quickly and hard several times in a row.
  • Use mental distraction strategies such as concentrating on an activity, such as counting backwards from 100 by sevens, or reciting the words of a favorite song.

Patient Name: ______Date: ______

Forms Manual.Bladder RetrainingControlling Frequency&Urgency.10.13.09.po
Skylands Urology Group

DIET HABITS THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR BLADDER

DRINK ENOUGH FLUIDS

Many people who have bladder control problems reduce the amount of liquids they drink in the hope that they will need to urinate less often. While drinking less liquid does result in less urine in your bladder, the smaller amount of urine may be more highly concentrated and irritate the lining of your bladder. Highly concentrated urine (dark yellow, strong smelling) may cause you to go to the bathroom more frequently. It can also encourage bacteria to grow in your bladder which can lead to an infection. A bladder infection can cause incontinence. Do not limit your fluids to control your incontinence unless you are on a specific fluid restriction by your doctor.

COMMON BLADDER IRRITANTS

Some foods and beverages are thought to contribute to bladder leakage. Their effect on the bladder is not always understood, but you may want to eliminate one or all of the items listed to determine if your bladder control improves. They are:

Alcohol / Mayonnaise
Artificial sweeteners / Peaches
Cantaloupes / Pineapple
Carbonated beverages / Plums
Spicy food / Strawberries
Chocolate / Tea
Citrus fruits/juices/Cranberry / Tomatoes
Coffee (including decaffeinated) / Vinegar
Guava / Vitamins B & C

SUBSTITUTIONS:

LOW ACID FRUITS: Pears, apricots, papaya, watermelon

FOR COFFEE DRINKERS: KAVA (Low acid instant) Cold Brew from Starbucks

FOR TEA DRINKERS: Non-citrus herbal sun brewed tea

VITAMIN C SUBSTITUTE: Calcium carbonate co buffered with calcium ascorbate

WHAT CAN I DRINK?

Grape, cranberry, apple, and cherry juices are usually not irritating to the bladder. Cranberry juice may help control urine odor and makes the urine more acidic – thus preventing the spread of bacteria. Again, water is the best fluid! Avoid large volumes at one time by sipping 2-3 ounces every 20-30 minutes between meals.

OTHER THINGS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR BLADDER:

  • Women are more prone to developing bladder infections so avoid nylon underpants and pantyhose. Cotton underpants are preferred. Avoid perfumed toilet tissue and sanitary napkins, as the dyes and perfumes may be irritating. Also, do not take bubble baths or douche.
  • Being overweight may be the cause of your incontinence and is also a dangerous health problem. Women may notice improved bladder control if they lose weight.
  • Cigarette smoking is irritating to the bladder lining and is associated with bladder cancer. Coughing associated with smoking may lead to stress incontinence during repeated coughing spasms.

Patient Name: ______Date: ______

Forms Manual.DietHabitsThatCanAffectYourBladder.10.13.09.po