Bladder training

With the right support and strategies, people can improve bladder habits and enjoy greater freedom to do the things they enjoy.

Bladder training helps improve control and reduce urgency. It’s useful to help address changes such as frequent toilet trips or incomplete emptying.

What’s involved in bladder training

A nurse continence specialist or pelvic health physiotherapist can guide you through a plan made just for you, which may include:

• keeping a bladder diary to track patterns and progress
• pelvic floor exercises to make these muscles stronger
• making changes to fluid intake, toilet habits and lifestyle
• measuring urine (wee) output and leakage.

The program may help you to go to the toilet less often and feel more in control.

Your bladder training program

Bladder training usually takes up to 3 months. You’ll track:

• when and how much you pass urine (wee)
• how much fluid you drink
• symptoms such as leaking, burning or pain.

You may also measure how much urine (wee) you pass or leakage.

Learning new skills

Your health professional will teach you how to use your pelvic floor muscles and offer advice on diet, exercise and managing constipation, all of which support bladder health.

With time and support, many people see real improvements.

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